A substance that releases hydrogen ions in water is a base. True False
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct answer: False
A substance that releases hydrogen ions (H⁺) in water is not a base; it is an acid.
According to the Arrhenius definition of acids and bases, an acid is a substance that increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H⁺) when dissolved in water. In contrast, a base is a substance that increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) in water.
For example, hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissociates in water to form hydrogen ions and chloride ions:
HCl → H⁺ + Cl⁻
On the other hand, sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which is a base, dissociates in water to form sodium ions and hydroxide ions:
NaOH → Na⁺ + OH⁻
The confusion might arise because both acids and bases can affect the pH of a solution. However, acids lower the pH by increasing H⁺ concentration, while bases raise the pH by increasing OH⁻ concentration or by accepting H⁺ ions.
There is also the Brønsted-Lowry theory, which defines acids as proton (H⁺) donors and bases as proton acceptors. Under this theory, a base does not release hydrogen ions. Instead, it accepts them.
To summarize:
- Acid: Releases hydrogen ions (H⁺)
- Base: Accepts hydrogen ions (or releases hydroxide ions)
Therefore, the statement “A substance that releases hydrogen ions in water is a base” is false because it describes an acid, not a base.
