According to Arrhenius theory, what do acids and bases produce in solution?

Prepare for the DIVE Chemistry Quarterly Exam 3 with practice questions including multiple choice and flashcards. Each question provides hints and explanations for thorough understanding. Get ready for your Chemistry exam!

According to the Arrhenius theory, acids and bases can be defined in terms of the ions they produce when dissolved in water. Specifically, acids are substances that increase the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) in a solution. When an acid dissolves in water, it dissociates and releases H⁺ ions, which contribute to the solution's acidity.

On the other hand, bases are substances that produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in a solution. When a base dissolves in water, it dissociates to release OH⁻ ions, thereby increasing the concentration of these ions in the solution, which characterizes the basicity of the solution.

In summary, the proper interpretation of Arrhenius theory states that acids generate H⁺ ions and bases generate OH⁻ ions in aqueous solutions. This fundamental understanding clarifies the distinction between acids and bases according to their respective behaviors in water.

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