Final answer:
An Arrhenius acid increases the concentration of H+ ions in water which commonly exist as hydronium ions (H3O+).
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Arrhenius definition, an acid is a substance that, when dissolved in water, increases the concentration of hydrogen ions, H+, in the solution. These hydrogen ions can associate with water molecules to form the hydronium ion (H3O+).
This means that an Arrhenius acid is characterized by its ability to release H+ ions in water, which can further react to form H3O+. It is important to note that although we often discuss hydrogen ions, in reality, these ions are not present in isolation in aqueous solutions but are associated with water molecules as hydronium ions.