Which of the following is a characteristic of Bronsted-Lowry acids?

Which of the following is a characteristic of Bronsted-Lowry acids?

• A. They accept electrons
• B. They accept protons
• C. They donate protons
• D. They always produce hydroxide ions

Answer: (C)

Bronsted-Lowry acids are defined by their ability to donate protons (H⁺ ions) in a chemical reaction. This proton donation is the defining characteristic of a Bronsted-Lowry acid, distinguishing it from other types of acids that may be defined by different properties. When a Bronsted-Lowry acid donates a proton, it increases the concentration of H⁺ ions in the solution, making it more acidic. This behavior is central to acid-base chemistry and is essential for understanding various chemical reactions, including neutralization reactions where acids react with bases. In contrast, the notion of accepting electrons pertains more to Lewis acids, while producing hydroxide ions is not a general characteristic of Bronsted-Lowry acids since it depends on the specific context and reaction in which they are involved. Therefore, the ability to donate protons is what makes a substance a Bronsted-Lowry acid, reinforcing the correctness of the selection.

Bronsted-Lowry acids are defined by their ability to donate protons (H⁺ ions) in a chemical reaction. This proton donation is the defining characteristic of a Bronsted-Lowry acid, distinguishing it from other types of acids that may be defined by different properties.

When a Bronsted-Lowry acid donates a proton, it increases the concentration of H⁺ ions in the solution, making it more acidic. This behavior is central to acid-base chemistry and is essential for understanding various chemical reactions, including neutralization reactions where acids react with bases.

In contrast, the notion of accepting electrons pertains more to Lewis acids, while producing hydroxide ions is not a general characteristic of Bronsted-Lowry acids since it depends on the specific context and reaction in which they are involved. Therefore, the ability to donate protons is what makes a substance a Bronsted-Lowry acid, reinforcing the correctness of the selection.