Acid and Base Definitions

ChemistryUpdated October 25, 2026

Overview of Arrhenius, Bronsted-Lowry, and Lewis acid-base definitions.

Arrhenius Acid: produces H+ or H3O+ ions when dissolved in water.

Arrhenius Base: produces OH- ions when dissolved in water.

Bronsted-Lowry Acid: acts as a proton (H+) donor in a reaction.

Bronsted-Lowry Base: acts as a proton (H+) acceptor in a reaction.

Lewis Acid: accepts an electron pair.

Lewis Base: donates an electron pair.