According to the Brønsted–Lowry definition, what is an acid?

• A. A species that accepts an electron pair to form a coordinate covalent bond
• B. A species that accepts a proton (H$+$) from another species
• C. A species that donates a proton (H$+$) to another species
• D. A species that increases the concentration of hydroxide ions, $O_H-$, in aqueous solution

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall the Brønsted–Lowry acid-base theory, which defines acids and bases based on proton transfer.
2. According to this theory, an acid is a species that donates a proton (H\+ ion) to another species during a chemical reaction.
3. Conversely, a Brønsted–Lowry base is a species that accepts a proton (H\+ ion) from another species.
4. This definition focuses on the transfer of H\+ ions rather than electron pairs or hydroxide ion concentration.
5. Therefore, the correct description of a Brønsted–Lowry acid is: a species that donates a proton (H\+) to another species.