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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the most specific classification for acids and bases in organic chemistry?
A
Lewis theory
B
Brønsted-Lowry theory
C
pH scale
D
Arrhenius theory
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the different theories of acids and bases. Each theory provides a different perspective on what constitutes an acid or a base.
The Arrhenius theory is one of the earliest theories and 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⁻).
The Brønsted-Lowry theory expands on the Arrhenius definition by describing acids as proton donors and bases as proton acceptors, which can occur in non-aqueous solutions.
The Lewis theory further generalizes the concept by defining acids as electron pair acceptors and bases as electron pair donors, which is applicable to a broader range of chemical reactions.
The pH scale is a measure of the acidity or basicity of a solution but does not classify acids and bases in terms of their chemical behavior. Therefore, it is not a theory of classification like the others.