1.2 Arrhenius Theory of Acids & Bases
- Page ID
- 32052
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Although the properties of acids and bases had been recognized for a long time, it was Svante Arrhenius in the 1880's who determined that:
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An important aspect of that theory is that these compounds only become acid or bases when in solution. \(\ce{HCl}\), hydrogen chloride, for example is not an acid when in its gaseous phase (according to the Arrhenius Theory). Add it to water, however, and we have a very strong acid. We need to examine what happens when we add them to water that suddenly produces either acidic or basic properties.