8.1 - Theories of Acids and Bases

• Arrhenius Theory

  Defines acids as substances that increase the concentration of hydrogen ions ($H^+$) in aqueous solution, and bases as substances that increase the concentration of hydroxide ions ($OH^-$).
• Brønsted-Lowry Theory

  Defines acids as proton ($H^+$) donors and bases as proton acceptors. This theory expands the concept of acids and bases beyond aqueous solutions.
• Conjugate Acid-Base Pairs

  In the Brønsted-Lowry framework, an acid and a base that differ only by the presence or absence of a proton are known as a conjugate acid-base pair.