This chapter examines the physical and chemical differences between acids and bases. Scientists classify acids and bases according to the way in which they react. Brønsted-Lowry acids are compounds that donate H+ ions (protons) in a reaction, while bases are the compounds that accept these protons. The dissociation constants of acids and bases, Ka and Kb, are a measure of the relative strengths of acids and bases. The chapter concludes with a description of the various rules for naming acids and bases.

In this chapter, you will learn: to state the Brønsted -Lowry definition of acids and bases to identify common physical and chemical properties of acids and bases to explain what dissociation constants indicate to explain what most acidic hydrogen atoms have in common to explain what most bases have in common to describe how acids and bases are named