Which statement correctly describes the Arrhenius acid-base theory?

• A. An Arrhenius acid is an electron-pair acceptor, and an Arrhenius base is an electron-pair donor.
• B. An Arrhenius acid donates a proton and an Arrhenius base accepts a proton.
• C. An Arrhenius acid decreases the concentration of $H_{+}$ in aqueous solution, and an Arrhenius base decreases the concentration of $O_{H^{-}}$ in aqueous solution.
• D. An Arrhenius acid increases the concentration of $H_{+}$ in aqueous solution, and an Arrhenius base increases the concentration of $O_{H^{-}}$ in aqueous solution.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the definition of Arrhenius acids and bases: Arrhenius theory focuses on the behavior of substances in aqueous solutions, specifically how they affect the concentration of certain ions.
2. Identify what an Arrhenius acid does: it increases the concentration of hydrogen ions (H\+), often represented as protons, in an aqueous solution.
3. Identify what an Arrhenius base does: it increases the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH\-) in an aqueous solution.
4. Compare the given statements to these definitions: the correct statement should mention the increase of H\+ concentration for acids and the increase of OH\- concentration for bases in water.
5. Conclude that the correct description of Arrhenius acid-base theory is that an Arrhenius acid increases the concentration of H\+ ions, and an Arrhenius base increases the concentration of OH\- ions in aqueous solution.