Bronsted vs Lewis Acid/Base

[Siddiq 1E]

Hi, I'm a little confused about the difference between bronsted and lewis acid/bases. I know the definitions but I'm wondering practically is there a difference? Is one a more correct depiction of acids and bases than the other? Thanks in advance.

[Paul Hage 2G]

I believe that they are just different ways to identify acids/bases. The two definitions just represent different properties of acids/bases.

[Michael Nguyen 1E]

Bronsted and Lewis acids/bases are just two different ways to define acids/bases. Neither is more correct, and there is no difference in the actual compounds.
The Bronsted definition is based on the donation/reception of protons. The Lewis definition is based on the donation/reception of lone pairs of electrons.

[Siddiq 1E]

Thanks everyone. The other thing that's confusing to me is how does an atom donate a proton? I thought interactions between atoms were all through electrons.

[sarahforman_Dis2I]

Thanks everyone. The other thing that's confusing to me is how does an atom donate a proton? I thought interactions between atoms were all through electrons.

Maybe an example will help. Let's say that we have a reaction that is between hydrochloric acid and water.

HCl(aq) + H2O (l) --> H3O+ (aq) + Cl- (aq).

In this case, HCl is the acid because it is donating the proton (H+) to water. In other words, the proton (H+) is being transfered from HCl to H2O. I hope this helps.

[Siddiq 1E]

Ahhh I understand now!! Thank you everyone :)