Question

Which of the following substances is a base when dissolved in water, as defined by Arrhenius?

magnesium sulfate
magnesium chloride
magnesium hydroxide
magnesium acetate

Answer 1

Answer: magnesium hydroxide

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Arrhenius concept, a base is defined as a substance which donates hydroxide ions
`(OH^-)` when dissolved in water and an acid is defined as a substance which donates hydronium ions
`(H_3O^+)` in water.

Magnesium sulfate has chemical formula
`MgSO_4`

Magnesium chloride has chemical formula
`MgCl_2`

Magnesium hydroxide has chemical formula
`Mg(OH)_2`

`Mg(OH)_2(aq)\rightarrow Mg^(2+)(aq)+2OH^-(aq)`

Magnesium acetate has chemical formula
`(CH_3COO)_2Mg`

Thus magnesium hydroxide is a base when dissolved in water, as defined by Arrhenius.