Multiple Choice
In the Brønsted–Lowry definition, what is an acid?
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17. Acid and Base Equilibrium
Acids Introduction
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In an aqueous solution, what makes a substance acidic according to the Arrhenius definition?
A
It increases the concentration of ions in water.
B
It increases the concentration of ions in water.
C
It increases the concentration of (or ) ions in water.
D
It decreases the concentration of ions in water.
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall the Arrhenius definition of acids and bases: An Arrhenius acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H\textsuperscript{+}) in aqueous solution, while an Arrhenius base increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH\textsuperscript{−}).
Understand that in water, free hydrogen ions (H\textsuperscript{+}) do not exist alone; they associate with water molecules to form hydronium ions (H\textsubscript{3}O\textsuperscript{+}). Both H\textsuperscript{+} and H\textsubscript{3}O\textsuperscript{+} represent the acidic species in solution.
Identify that an increase in the concentration of H\textsuperscript{+} or H\textsubscript{3}O\textsuperscript{+} ions means the solution becomes more acidic according to Arrhenius theory.
Recognize that increasing concentrations of other ions, such as hydroxide ions (OH\textsuperscript{−}) or superoxide ions (O\textsubscript{2}\textsuperscript{−}), do not define acidity under the Arrhenius definition.
Therefore, the correct statement is that an Arrhenius acid increases the concentration of H\textsuperscript{+} (or H\textsubscript{3}O\textsuperscript{+}) ions in water, making the solution acidic.
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