In acid-base chemistry, which component is generally formed when acids dissociate in aqueous solution?

When acids dissociate in aqueous solution, they release protons (H⁺ ions). This process is a key characteristic of acids, as they increase the concentration of protons in the solution. According to the Brønsted-Lowry definition of acids and bases, an acid is a substance that donates protons to another substance (the base).

As acids dissolve in water, they break apart into their constituent ions. For instance, hydrochloric acid (HCl) dissociates in water to form H⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. The H⁺ ions are what we refer to as protons. This increase in proton concentration leads to a decrease in pH, characteristic of acidic solutions.

The other options mentioned do not directly relate to the dissociation of acids in solution. Electrons are subatomic particles involved in bond formation and ionization but are not produced during acid dissociation in the context of typical acid-base reactions. Hydroxide ions (OH⁻) are produced by the dissociation of bases rather than acids. Ammonium ions (NH₄⁺) can arise in specific chemical reactions involving ammonia in acidic conditions but are not a direct product of the dissociation of acids in general.