In Arrhenius theory, when an acidic substance is dissolved in water, the solution contains hydrogen ions as the only positive ions. Which ion is this?

In Arrhenius theory, when an acidic substance is dissolved in water, the solution contains hydrogen ions as the only positive ions. Which ion is this?

• A. Acetate
• B. Hydrogen
• C. Chloride
• D. Sodium

Answer: (B)

In Arrhenius theory, an acid dissociates in water to release hydrogen ions. In solution these protons pair with water to form hydronium, so the positive ion produced by the acid is hydrogen (H+, effectively as H3O+ in water). The other options are not the cation generated by acid dissociation: acetates and chlorides are negative ions, and sodium would come from a base or salt, not from the acid itself.

In Arrhenius theory, an acid dissociates in water to release hydrogen ions. In solution these protons pair with water to form hydronium, so the positive ion produced by the acid is hydrogen (H+, effectively as H3O+ in water). The other options are not the cation generated by acid dissociation: acetates and chlorides are negative ions, and sodium would come from a base or salt, not from the acid itself.