Question

Identify each substance as an acid or a base and write a chemical equation showing how it is an acid or a base according to the Arrhenius definition.
(a) H2SO4(aq)

(b) Sr(OH)2(aq)

(c) HBr(aq)

(d) NaOH(aq)

Answer 1

Answer:

(a) Acid

(b) Base

(c) Acid

(d) Base

Explanation:

According to the Arrhenius acid-base theory:

• An acid is a substance that releases H⁺ in aqueous solution.

• A base is a substance that releases OH⁻ in aqueous solution.

(a) H₂SO₄ is an acid according to the following equation:

H₂SO₄(aq) ⇒ 2 H⁺(aq) + SO₄²⁻(aq)

(b) Sr(OH)₂ is a base according to the following equation:

Sr(OH)₂(aq) ⇄ Sr²⁺(aq) + 2 OH⁻(aq)

(c) HBr is an acid according to the following equation:

HBr(aq) ⇒ H⁺(aq) + Br⁻(aq)

(d) NaOH is a base according to the following equation:

NaOH(aq) ⇒ Na⁺(aq) + OH⁻(aq)