Question

Write a chemical equation for Ba(OH)2(aq) showing how it is an acid or a base according to the Arrhenius definition.

Express your answer as a chemical equation. Identify all of the phases in your answer.

Answer 1

The Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius in 1887 proposed that substances that dissociate in water to yield hydrogen ion (H+) are acids and substances that dissociate in water to yield hydroxide ions (OH−) are base.

Based on his theory we can conclude that Ba(OH)2 is a base as it dissociates in water to yield hydroxide ions (OH−) :

Ba(OH)2 (aq) = Ba2+ (aq) + 2 OH− (aq)

Also Arrhenius bases will react with Arrhenius acids for a neutralization reaction to yield salt and water. H+ ion from the acid react with OH− ion from the base to form water.

Ba(OH)2 (aq) + 2 HCl (aq) = BaCl2 (aq) + 2 H2O (l)

   base                acid            salt              water