Arrhenius

Svante August Arrhenius (1859-1927) was a Swedish chemist and physicist who laid foundational ideas in physical chemistry. He is best known for the theory of electrolytic dissociation and for the Arrhenius equation governing temperature dependence of reaction rates. His work helped establish the modern concept of ions and reaction kinetics.

In 1884 he proposed the theory of electrolytic dissociation, arguing that electrolytes dissociate into ions in solution and that the strength of an electrolyte depends on the extent of dissociation. He introduced the idea of ions as charge carriers and defined acids as substances that dissociate to produce H+ and bases as substances that dissociate to produce OH- in water.

In 1889 he formulated the Arrhenius equation for reaction rates: k = A exp(-Ea/(RT)). This model expresses how rate constants rise with temperature and introduces the activation energy concept, linking kinetic behavior to molecular processes.

Alongside his work in kinetics, Arrhenius contributed to early climate science by proposing that increased atmospheric carbon dioxide could raise Earth's temperature, anticipating some aspects of the greenhouse effect.

Arrhenius' ideas helped establish physical chemistry as a quantitative discipline. He was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Chemistry multiple times but did not receive the award.