The concept of acids and bases as proton donors and proton acceptors is widely accepted as being a suitable theory for school chemistry studies, in understanding acid base reactions and the pH of the salts produced. It is useful to place this, the Bronsted Lowry theory, in the wider context of the development of scientific theories of acids and bases.
After working through this topic you will be able to:
- explain what is meant by proton donors, proton acceptors and conjugate pairs;
- appreciate students’ difficulties with conjugate acids, bases and the link with pH;
- use effective strategies and practical activities to support students’ understanding;
- appreciate how scientific theories and models develop over time.