/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 3 Why is the Arrhenius acid-base d... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Why is the Arrhenius acid-base definition too limited? Give an example for which the Arrhenius definition does not apply.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Arrhenius' definition is limited to aqueous solutions and does not apply to acid-base reactions in non-aqueous solutions or gases, such as NH鈧 and HCl forming NH鈧凜l.

Step by step solution

01

- Understanding Arrhenius Definition

Under Arrhenius' definition, an acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H鈦) in aqueous solution, while a base is a substance that increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH鈦) in aqueous solution.
02

- Identify the Limitation

The main limitation of Arrhenius' definition is that it only applies to substances in aqueous solutions and does not account for acid-base reactions that occur in non-aqueous solutions or gases.
03

- Provide an Example

Consider the reaction between ammonia (NH鈧) and hydrogen chloride gas (HCl). This reaction occurs in the absence of water and forms ammonium chloride (NH鈧凜l), where NH鈧 acts as a base, accepting a proton from HCl, which acts as an acid. According to Arrhenius' definition, both NH鈧 and HCl do not fit the definition as they do not produce OH鈦 or H鈦 in aqueous solution.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Acid-Base Reactions
Acid-base reactions are fundamental chemical processes that occur when acids and bases interact. According to the Arrhenius definition, an acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H鈦) in an aqueous solution. A base, on the other hand, increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH鈦) in an aqueous solution.
However, these reactions can occur in different environments beyond aqueous solutions. In essence, an acid-base reaction involves the transfer of protons (H鈦) from one substance to another. In many acid-base reactions, an acid will donate a proton, while a base will accept that proton.
Understanding the basic mechanism of acid-base reactions is critical in appreciating the limitations of the Arrhenius definition. By exploring other definitions, such as those by Br酶nsted-Lowry and Lewis, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of how these reactions function in various contexts.
Exploring Aqueous Solutions
Aqueous solutions are simply solutions where water acts as the solvent. When acids or bases are dissolved in water, they dissociate into their respective ions. For example:
  • An acid like hydrochloric acid (HCl) will dissociate into hydrogen ions (H鈦) and chloride ions (Cl鈦).
  • A base like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) will dissociate into sodium ions (Na鈦) and hydroxide ions (OH鈦).
This dissociation is crucial for the Arrhenius definition, as it highlights the increase in H鈦 or OH鈦 ions in the solution. The behavior of substances in an aqueous environment shows the fundamental aspect of acid-base chemistry. However, the specificity of this definition to aqueous solutions is also its major drawback, as it excludes reactions that occur outside of water. To fully understand the versatility of acid-base reactions, it's important to explore other definitions that are not confined to aqueous solutions.
Limitations of Arrhenius Definition
The Arrhenius definition of acids and bases, while useful, is quite limited. One significant limitation is its restriction to aqueous solutions. This definition fails to explain acid-base reactions that occur in non-aqueous solutions, such as organic solvents, or in gaseous states.
For example, chemical reactions involving ammonia (NH鈧) and hydrogen chloride gas (HCl) do not adhere to the Arrhenius definition. In this case, NH鈧 acts as a base by accepting a proton from HCl, which acts as an acid, forming ammonium chloride (NH鈧凜l). No water is involved, and there are no H鈦 or OH鈦 ions produced in an aqueous solution.
Other definitions, like the Br酶nsted-Lowry and Lewis definitions, provide a broader understanding of acid-base behavior. The Br酶nsted-Lowry definition describes acids as proton donors and bases as proton acceptors, regardless of the solvent. The Lewis definition categorizes acids as electron pair acceptors and bases as electron pair donors, offering an even wider applicability. These definitions help explain many reactions that the Arrhenius definition cannot cover and are particularly important for advanced studies in chemistry.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

In humans, blood \(\mathrm{pH}\) is maintained within a narrow range: acidosis occurs if the blood \(\mathrm{pH}\) is below \(7.35,\) and alkalosis occurs if the \(\mathrm{pH}\) is above 7.45 . Given that the \(\mathrm{p} K_{\mathrm{w}}\) of blood is 13.63 at \(37^{\circ} \mathrm{C}\) (body temperature), what is the normal range of \(\left[\mathrm{H}_{3} \mathrm{O}^{+}\right]\) and of \(\left[\mathrm{OH}^{-}\right]\) in blood?

Polymers are not very soluble in water, but their solubility increases if they have charged groups. (a) Casein, a milk protein, contains many \(-\mathrm{COO}^{-}\) groups on its side chains. How does the solubility of casein vary with pH? (b) Histones are proteins essential to the function of DNA. They are weakly basic due to the presence of side chains with \(-\mathrm{NH}_{2}\) and \(=\mathrm{NH}\) groups. How does the solubility of a histone vary with pH?

Classify the following as Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry, or Lewis acid-base reactions. A reaction may fit all, two, one, or none of the categories: (a) \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}+4 \mathrm{Cl}^{-} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{CuCl}_{4}^{2-}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Al}(\mathrm{OH})_{3}+3 \mathrm{HNO}_{3} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{Al}^{3+}+3 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}+3 \mathrm{NO}_{3}^{-}\) (c) \(\mathrm{N}_{2}+3 \mathrm{H}_{2} \rightleftharpoons 2 \mathrm{NH}_{3}\) (d) \(\mathrm{CN}^{-}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{HCN}+\mathrm{OH}^{-}\)

Identify the Lewis acid and Lewis base in each reaction: (a) \(\mathrm{Na}^{+}+6 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{Na}\left(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\right)_{6}^{+}\) (b) \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}+\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{CO}_{3}\) (c) \(\mathrm{F}^{-}+\mathrm{BF}_{3} \rightleftharpoons \mathrm{BF}_{4}^{-}\)

What feature must a molecule or an ion have in order to act as a Lewis base? A Lewis acid? Explain the roles of these features.

See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.