Question

Classify the following as an acid or base using the Arrhenius definition of an acid or base.

HNO3 is an Arrhenius _____ and increases the concentration of ___ when added to water.

KOH is an Arrhenius ___ and increases the concentration of ___ when added to water.

Ca(OH) 2 is an Arrhenius ___ and increases the concentration of ___ when added to water.

H2SO4 is an Arrhenius ___ and increases the concentration of ___ when added to water.

Answer 1

HNO3 is an Arrhenius acid and increases the concentration of H+ when added to water. KOH is an Arrhenius base and increases the concentration of OH- when added to water. Ca(OH) 2 is an Arrhenius acid, and increases the concentration of H+. H2SO4 is an Arrhenius acid, and increases the concentration of H+ when added to water.

Answer 2

An Arrhenius acid is a substance that releases H+ ions when it dissociates in water; on the other hand, an Arrhenius base releases OH- ions when it dissociates in water. Therefore, the compounds are classified as follows:

1. Acid, H+ ions
2. Base, OH- ions
3. Base, OH- ions
4. Acid, H+ ions