Identifying Acids and Bases

[alicechien_4F]

On the final if it asks us to identify acids/bases, do we assume they are using the Lewis definition or the Arrhenius definition?

[KeyaV1C]

They should yield the same answer.

[Reagan Smith 1H]

I would assume Bronsted-Lowry or Lewis because they are just expanded definitions of the Arrhenius definition. We have also extensively covered Bronsted-Lowry and Lewis and have not spoken of Arrhenius as much in lectures.

[KaitlynBali_4B]

According to the Arrhenius definition, it will be obvious whether or not the compound is an acid or a base according to its formula: acids will have an H in its formula and will add H+ to water, and bases will have OH in its formula and will be able to add OH- to water. If the compound is not an obvious acid or base according to its formula and the Arrhenius definition, pay attention to electron pairs in the atoms of the compound. NH3 is a Lewis base because the nitrogen atom has a lone pair that it can donate. Oxides, like CaO, are also known to be strong bases (oxides and hydroxides from groups 1 and 2 are strong bases).