What did svante arrhenius discover about the reaction between an Acid and a Base?
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Svante Arrhenius was a Swedish chemist who made significant contributions to our understanding of acids and bases. In 1884, he proposed what is now known as the Arrhenius theory of acids and bases.
Arrhenius discovered that when an acid dissolves in water, it breaks apart or dissociates to release positively charged hydrogen ions (H+). These hydrogen ions are responsible for the acidic properties of the solution. On the other hand, when a base dissolves in water, it dissociates to release negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH-). These hydroxide ions are responsible for the basic properties of the solution.
Importantly, Arrhenius recognized that an acid and a base can react together to form water and a salt. In this reaction, the hydrogen ions from the acid combine with the hydroxide ions from the base to form water (H2O), leaving behind the remaining ions from the acid and base to form a salt. This reaction is known as neutralization.
To perform Arrhenius' experiment and observe the reaction between an acid and a base, you can follow these steps:
1. Start by acquiring samples of an acid and a base. Common examples include hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH).
2. Dissolve a specific amount of the acid in water, which will produce hydrogen ions (H+) and the anion of the acid.
3. Dissolve a specific amount of the base in water, which will produce hydroxide ions (OH-) and the cation of the base.
4. Combine the acid and the base in appropriate amounts. The number of hydrogen ions (H+) should match or exceed the number of hydroxide ions (OH-) to ensure complete neutralization.
5. Observe the reaction and note the changes. You should see the formation of water (H2O) and a salt, which remains dissolved in the solution.
By following these steps, you will be able to witness the reaction between an acid and a base, and understand how Arrhenius discovered the process of neutralization.