Svante Arrhenius Theory Essay

An acid becomes a solution, when a hydrogen ion is released. A base becomes a solution, when a hydroxide ion is released. There are three classes of acids and bases. An acid produces H+ in a solution and a base produces OH. This is a theory called the Arrhenius definition. A man by the name of Svante Arrhenius developed this theory. Acids and bases can be defined their physical and chemical observations.

There are two more sophisticated and general theories that were made. They are called the Bronsted-Lowry and the Lewis definitions. In the Bronsted-Lowry theory, acids are defined as proton donors, whereas bases are called proton acceptors. Bronsted and Lowry based acids and bases on the compounds’ abilities to donate or accept protons. If a compound acts as both a Bronsted-Lowry acid and base together it is called amphoteric.

The Lewis theory states that acid act as electron pair acceptors and bases act as electron pair donators.

The definition doesn’t say anything about the hydrogen atom. All it talks about is the transfer of electron pairs.

The Arrhenius theory was developed by a man name Svante Arrhenius. He was a Swedish chemist who proposed two classifications of compounds, named acids and bases. An Arrhenius acid increases the concentration of H+ions that are present when added to water. Hydronium ion forms when they combine with molecules.

Since acids increase the amount of H+ ions and bases increase the amount of OH-ions. In the ph scale, the strength of acidity and basicity can be measured. The ph scale is a range of 1-14, with 7 as the neutral number. On the ph scale 8-14 is classified as a base and 1-6 is classified as an acid.

Acids can taste sour. They turn red on blue litmus paper. They can be colorless on an indicator. Acids always has a burning sensation when it is put on a wound. Common acids are lemons, oranges, vinegar, and urine. Hydrogen peroxide is an acid that helps with cuts, but it comes with a burning

sensation.
Bases can taste bitter. They turn blue on red litmus paper. They are pink when put on an indicator. They give a slippery feel. Common bases are soap, toothpaste, bleach, cleaning agents, and ammonia water. These products are used to clean an object in your house or car.
I have learned about the Bronsted-Lowry and Lewis theories. They have taught me things I didn’t know about bases and acids.