Which is a Bronsted base example?

Study for the DAT Bootcamp General Chemistry Test. Enhance your skills with detailed questions and explanations. Master exam topics such as atomic structure, chemical reactions, and periodic trends. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which is a Bronsted base example?

Explanation:
A Bronsted base is a substance that accepts a proton (H+). Ammonia fits this role nicely because it has a lone pair on nitrogen that can attract a proton to form the ammonium ion: NH3 + H+ → NH4+. This shows base behavior—taking in a proton. In contrast, HCl and CH3COOH donate protons, so they are Bronsted acids. Water is amphiprotic and can act as a base in some contexts by accepting a proton to form H3O+, but the classic, unambiguous example here is ammonia acting as a Bronsted base.

A Bronsted base is a substance that accepts a proton (H+). Ammonia fits this role nicely because it has a lone pair on nitrogen that can attract a proton to form the ammonium ion: NH3 + H+ → NH4+. This shows base behavior—taking in a proton. In contrast, HCl and CH3COOH donate protons, so they are Bronsted acids. Water is amphiprotic and can act as a base in some contexts by accepting a proton to form H3O+, but the classic, unambiguous example here is ammonia acting as a Bronsted base.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy