Final answer:
An Arrhenius base increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH−) in aqueous solution when dissolved in water. Sodium hydroxide is an example of such a base, which dissociates into Na+ and OH− ions in water. The reaction of an Arrhenius acid with a base results in neutralization, forming water and a salt.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the Arrhenius definition, a base is a substance that, when dissolved in water, increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH−) in the solution. For example, when sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is dissolved in water, it dissociates into sodium (Na+) and hydroxide (OH−) ions, thus releasing OH− ions into the solution. This process can be represented by the following chemical equation:
NaOH (aq) → Na+ (aq) + OH− (aq)
The reaction of an Arrhenius base with an Arrhenius acid, such as hydrochloric acid (HCl), leads to the formation of water and a salt, in a process known as neutralization. The net ionic equation for the reaction of an acid like HCl with a base like NaOH is given by:
H+ (aq) + OH−(aq) → H₂O(l)
Neutralization removes free H+ and OH− ions from the solution, effectively reducing the solution's acidity or basicity.
A base, according to the Arrhenius definition, is a compound that dissociates in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH-). When a base is dissolved in water, it releases OH- ions, which can combine with H+ ions from an acid to form water. This reaction between an acid and a base is known as neutralization. Some examples of Arrhenius bases are sodium hydroxide (NaOH), potassium hydroxide (KOH), magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)2), and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2).