Arrhenius theory of dissociation

Học thuật
Thân thiện
Definition

Noun: - Arrhenius theory of dissociation: A fundamental chemical theory, proposed by Svante Arrhenius, which describes the behavior of substances dissolved in water (aqueous solutions). It specifically defines acids as compounds that dissociate (break apart) in water to produce hydrogen ions (H⁺), and bases as compounds that dissociate in water to produce hydroxide ions (OH⁻). According to this theory, the reaction between an acid and a base produces a salt and water.

Usage
  • The Arrhenius theory of dissociation provides a foundational model for understanding acid-base reactions in aqueous chemistry.
  • While modern theories have expanded upon it, the Arrhenius theory of dissociation was crucial for quantifying acid and base strength through conductivity measurements.
Examples
  • The Arrhenius theory of dissociation explains why hydrochloric acid (HCl) solution conducts electricity, as it dissociates into H⁺ and Cl⁻ ions.
  • According to the Arrhenius theory of dissociation, sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a base because it releases OH⁻ ions when dissolved in water.
  • A key prediction of the Arrhenius theory of dissociation is that the neutralization of an acid and a base yields a salt and water.
Advanced Usage
  • Limitations of the theory: The Arrhenius theory of dissociation is primarily applicable to aqueous solutions and does not explain acid-base behavior in other solvents or the basicity of substances like ammonia (NH₃), which do not contain hydroxide ions.
  • Historical context: The Arrhenius theory of dissociation was pioneering because it proposed that ions exist in solution even without an electric current, a concept initially met with skepticism.
Variants and Related Words
  • Arrhenius acid (n): A substance that, when dissolved in water, increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺).
  • Arrhenius base (n): A substance that, when dissolved in water, increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻).
  • Dissociation (n): The process by which a compound splits into smaller components, such as ions, when dissolved.
Synonyms
  • Arrhenius concept of acids and bases
  • Classical theory of electrolytic dissociation
Related Phrases and Concepts
  • Acid-base reaction: A reaction that, per the Arrhenius theory of dissociation, involves the combination of hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions to form water.
  • Electrolyte: A substance that dissociates into ions in solution, a key concept supported by the Arrhenius theory of dissociation.
Noun
  1. (chemistry) theory that describes aqueous solutions in terms of acids (which dissociate to give hydrogen ions) and bases (which dissociate to give hydroxyl ions); the product of an acid and a base is a salt and water

Từ đồng nghĩa