Brønsted-Lowry concept of acids and bases
Definitions based on proton (H+) transfer, identifying proton donors as acids and proton acceptors as bases, and understanding conjugate acid-base pairs.
What is Brønsted-Lowry concept of acids and bases?
A chemical species that donates a proton (H+).
Key points
- Define acids and bases according to the Brønsted-Lowry theory.
- Identify proton donors and acceptors in a given reaction.
- Determine conjugate acid-base pairs.
- Explain the process of proton transfer in acid-base reactions.
Common exam trap
Confusing proton donors with proton acceptors.
Definitions
- Term
Brønsted-Lowry Acid
- Meaning
A chemical species that donates a proton (H+).
- Term
Brønsted-Lowry Base
- Meaning
A chemical species that accepts a proton (H+).
- Term
Conjugate Acid-Base Pair
- Meaning
Two species that differ by a single proton (H+). The acid is the species with the extra proton, and the base is the species without it.
- Term
Amphoteric Substance
- Meaning
A substance that can act as both a Brønsted-Lowry acid and a Brønsted-Lowry base.
Learning objectives
Define acids and bases according to the Brønsted-Lowry theory.
Identify proton donors and acceptors in a given reaction.
Determine conjugate acid-base pairs.
Explain the process of proton transfer in acid-base reactions.
Prerequisites
Understanding of atomic structure and ions
Basic knowledge of chemical reactions
Concept of equilibrium
Common mistakes
Confusing proton donors with proton acceptors.
Incorrectly identifying conjugate acid-base pairs.
Assuming all reactions involving H+ are Brønsted-Lowry acid-base reactions without considering proton transfer.
Keywords
Brønsted-Lowry
Acid
Base
Proton Donor
Proton Acceptor
Conjugate Pair
Amphoteric
Proton Transfer
Practice preview
In the reaction: HCl + H2O ⇌ H3O+ + Cl-, which species is the Brønsted-Lowry base?…
easy
Identify the conjugate acid-base pair in the following reaction: NH3 + H2O ⇌ NH4+ + OH-…
medium
According to the Brønsted-Lowry theory, an acid is a substance that:…
easy