Arrhenius Theory
Arrhenius theory is based on electrolytic dissociation in aqueous solution.
The substance which when added to water produces hydrogen ions H+ is called acid.
- HCl H+ + Cl-
The substance which when added to water produces hydroxide ions OH- is called base.
- NaOH Na+ + OH-
Arrhenius Neutralisation:
An acid reacts with a base to form salt and water is called Arrhenius neutralisation.
- HCl + NaOH NaCl + H2O
Limitations of Arrhenius theory:
Arrhenius theory is limited to aqueous solutions only.
It could not explain the acidic nature of CO2, SO2, Cl2O, N2O, etc.
It could not explain the basic nature of NH3, CaO, Na2O, etc.