Final answer:
The Arrhenius definition of acids and bases is limited to explaining only acid-base reactions in water and does not provide a clear distinction between acids and bases or consider the role of protons in acid-base chemistry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The one big disadvantage of the Arrhenius definition of acids and bases is that it is limited to explaining only acid-base reactions in water. The Arrhenius theory defines acids as substances that release H+ ions and bases as substances that release OH- ions when dissolved in water.
While this definition is useful for understanding acid-base reactions in aqueous solutions, it does not provide a clear distinction between acids and bases in other solvents or in non-aqueous environments. It also does not consider the role of protons (H+) in acid-base chemistry or account for the strength or concentration of acids and bases.