Is Releasing Hydrogen Ions the Defining Characteristic of Arrhenius Acids?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the characteristics that define Arrhenius acids, specifically focusing on whether releasing hydrogen ions is the defining trait. Participants explore various statements regarding the definition and properties of Arrhenius acids, including the nature of ionic compounds and pH levels in aqueous solutions.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that releasing hydrogen ions in aqueous solution is a defining characteristic of Arrhenius acids.
  • One participant questions the validity of other statements regarding Arrhenius acids, suggesting that only the release of hydrogen ions is universally true.
  • Another participant argues that not all ionic compounds containing hydrogen are acids, providing examples such as NH4NO3 and NaHCO3.
  • It is noted that a pH greater than 7 indicates a base, thus challenging the idea that Arrhenius acids can have a pH above 7.
  • There is a consensus that statement d) is not applicable to acids or bases.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that releasing hydrogen ions is a key characteristic of Arrhenius acids, but there is disagreement regarding the validity of the other statements, particularly a) and b), which remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Some statements depend on specific definitions and interpretations of acidity and pH, which may not be universally accepted. The discussion does not resolve the implications of these definitions on the classification of certain compounds.

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An Arrhenius acid
a) in an ionic compound that contains hydrogen atoms
b) produces an aqueous solution whose pH is greater than 7
c) releases hydrogen ions in aqueous solution
d) is always a neutral molecule


I know that c) is true and d) is false. However, I don't know if a) and b) are within the definition of Arrhenius acid. My guess is that only c) is true. Can anyone point me in the right direction?
 
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According to the Arrhenius definition, an acid is any substance, which when dissolved in water, tends to increase the amount of H+

so my guess would be that C is always true, the others aren't necessarily true.
 
Yes, C is correct by definition.

a is false because there are some ionic compounds that contain hydrogen atoms and are not acids- ie. NH4NO3, NaHCO3

b is false because >7 pH is a base

d wouldn't be an acid or a base
 
Thank you. I was trying to think of things to disprove the other answers to validate my answer :)
 

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