Question

Which is an Arrhenius Acid?

`H_2SO_4`
`LiOH`
`NH_2CH_3`
`CH_3CH_3`

Answer 1

`H_2SO_4`

Explanation:

Sulfuric acid (`H_2SO_4`) is an Arrhenius acid because it has the ability to donate one of its hydrogen ions
(`H^(+)`).

By definition an Arrhenius acid is any substance that generates hydrogen ions in aqueous solution.

Here's an example of a general Arrhenius acid:

• `HA` is an acid because it dissociates in water to produce hydrogen ions `H^(+)` and the base `A^(-)`.

However, LiOH is not an Arrhenius acid because it is a strong base and it dissociates almost completely in solution; it has the ability to produce hydroxide ions in solution:
`color(white)(aaaaaaaaa) LiOH rarr Li^(+) + OH^(-)`

• `CH_3NH_2` (methylamine) is a base and it cannot give off hydrogen ions.

• `CH_3CH_3` (ethane) is a gaseous hydrocarbon and it will not give off hydrogen ions.