Brønsted-Lowry acid-base theory

The Brønsted-Lowry acid-base theory defines acids and bases based on their ability to donate or accept protons (H⁺ ions). An acid is a substance that donates a proton, while a base is one that accepts a proton. This theory broadens the traditional definition of acids and bases by emphasizing their behavior in chemical reactions, rather than just their structure. For example, when hydrochloric acid (an acid) donates a proton to water (which acts as a base), it forms hydronium ions, illustrating the dynamic nature of acid-base interactions.