Brønsted-Lowry Acids and Bases — Definition & Examples

Brønsted-Lowry Acids and Bases

• Defines acids and bases by whether they are a proton donor or acceptor

Brønsted-Lowry Acids:

• Brønsted-Lowry Acids are proton donors, so they donate/give a proton (H+) to the Brønsted-Lowry Base

Brønsted-Lowry Bases:

• Brønsted-Lowry Bases are proton acceptors, so they accept the proton (H+) given by the Brønsted-Lowry Acid

Conjugate Acids and Bases

• When a Brønsted-Lowry Acid reactions with a Brønsted-Lowry Base, they produce conjugate acids and bases

• The Brønsted-Lowry Acid will become a conjugate base after the reaction

• The Brønsted-Lowry Base will become a conjugate acid after the reaction

Note the reaction above: The Brønsted-Lowry Base (${NH_3}$) becomes a conjugate acid ${NH_4}$ which can react with the OH to produce the original reactants. The Brønsted-Lowry Acid (${H_2O}$) becomes OH which is the conjugate base!

(Video) What Is The Bronsted Lowry Theory | Acids, Bases & Alkali's | Chemistry | FuseSchool

by FuseSchool-Global Education

This short video explains the Bronstead-Lowery theory of acids and bases. You'll learn what distinguishes it from the Arrhenius theory and how to identify Bronstead-Lowery acids and bases.