What is a characteristic of a Bronsted-Lowry base?

Study for the Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT). Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each question provides hints and explanations. Prepare for your exam!

A Bronsted-Lowry base is defined as a substance that can accept protons (H+ ions) from an acid. This definition is fundamental to understanding acid-base chemistry, as it shifts the focus from just the presence of protons to the roles that different substances play in a chemical reaction.

When a Bronsted-Lowry base encounters a proton donor (an acid), it can readily accept the H+ ion, resulting in the formation of a conjugate acid. This interaction is a key part of many chemical reactions in both organic and inorganic chemistry. For example, in the reaction between ammonia (a common Bronsted-Lowry base) and water (which acts as an acid), ammonia accepts a proton, forming the ammonium ion and leaving behind hydroxide ions.

The other options do not correctly pertain to the defining characteristics of a Bronsted-Lowry base. Option A refers to H+ donors, which defines a Bronsted-Lowry acid, while Option C implies a strong acid designation, which is unrelated to the properties of bases. Option D incorrectly suggests that Bronsted-Lowry bases cannot interact with water, disregarding the significant role of these bases in aqueous solutions and chemical equilibria. Understanding these interactions is crucial

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