What is the chemical definition of a base?
2 answers
A molecule that accepts H+ ions.
There are about 5 definitions. The three most popular ones in use today (tomorrow may be a different story) are
1. The Arrhenius theory-- A base is a substance that produces hydroxide ions when placed in water solution.
2. The Bronsted-Lowry theory-- A base is a substance that accepts protons.
3. The Lewis theory-- A base is a substance that donates electrons.
Not many use the Arrhenius theory today--it's a shame too for it is so simple. Th Bronsted-Lowry theory is used widely in freshman an analytical chemistry; the Lewis theory is used widely in organic chemistry.
1. The Arrhenius theory-- A base is a substance that produces hydroxide ions when placed in water solution.
2. The Bronsted-Lowry theory-- A base is a substance that accepts protons.
3. The Lewis theory-- A base is a substance that donates electrons.
Not many use the Arrhenius theory today--it's a shame too for it is so simple. Th Bronsted-Lowry theory is used widely in freshman an analytical chemistry; the Lewis theory is used widely in organic chemistry.