Acids, Bases & Protons
Proton transfer
- The earlier definition of an acid and a base can be extended
- In terms of proton transfer, we can further define each substance in how they interact with protons
Acids
- Acids are proton donors as they ionize in solution producing protons, H+ ions
- These H+ ions make the aqueous solution acidic
Bases (Alkalis)
- Bases (alkalis) are proton acceptors as they ionize in solution producing OH- ions which can accept protons
- These OH- ions make the aqueous solution alkaline
Diagram showing the role of acids and bases in the transfer of protons