The Arrhenius Definition
Svante Arrhenius believed that the Arrhenius Definition was that acids produced hydrogen ions (H+) ion in an aqueous solution and bases produce hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water. The strength of Arrhenius acids and bases depends on how much it ionizes in water. Ionization is when a polar compound forms cations and anions. Dissociation is the separation of of ions in ionic compounds. Strong acids and strong bases dissociate nearly completely, while weak acids and bases dissociate a small amount. The strengths of acids and bases have nothing to do with their pH.