How did Arrhenius describe acids?

1 Answer
Jul 17, 2018

Substances that produce hydrogen ions in aqueous solution

Explanation:

Arrhenius defines acid as substance that produces hydrogen ions #(H^+)# in aqueous solution.

Here's the general equation defining Arrhenius acid and base:
http://acidsandbasesfordummieschem.weebly.com/definition-and-theories.html

Notice the acid, HA, will ionize in water to produce hydrogen ion #(H^+)# and a cation, #(A^-)#. The strength of the acid depends on the degree of ionization. Strong acid will ionize completely while weak acid will ionize partially,

Common examples of Arrhenius acids are:

  • nitric acid, #HNO_3#
  • hydrochloric acid, #HCl#
  • sulfuric acid, #H_2SO_4#
  • acetic acid, #HCH_3CO_2#