Question

Fill in the blanks by using the correct word/ term given in the brackets.

The properties of ___ are due to the hydrogen ions it produces in aqueous solution.

Answer 1

Bases have the ability to dissociate into hydroxide anions $\left({\mathrm{OH}}^{-}\right)$ and their respective cations, whereas acids have the ability to dissociate into hydrogen ions $\left({\mathrm{H}}^{+}\right)$ and their respective anions. A general representation is given below:

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{HA}\to {\mathrm{H}}^{+}+{\mathrm{A}}^{-} \\ \left(\mathrm{Acid}\right) \\ \mathrm{BOH}\to {\mathrm{B}}^{+}+{\mathrm{OH}}^{-} \\ \left(\mathrm{Base}\right) \end{gathered}$$

The properties of acids vary because of the liberation of hydrogen ions $\left({\mathrm{H}}^{+}\right)$ in an aqueous solution. The different properties of acids are totally dependent on the hydrogen ions $\left({\mathrm{H}}^{+}\right)$ and the protons that are available for donation.

Thus, the properties of acid are due to the hydrogen ions it produces in aqueous solution.