Question

We have seen an introductory definition of an acid: An acid is a compound that reacts with water and increases the amount of hydronium ion present. In the chapter on acids and bases, we saw two more definitions of acids: a compound that donates a proton (a hydrogen ion, H⁺) to another compound is called a Brønsted-Lowry acid, and a Lewis acid is any species that can accept a pair of electrons. Explain why the introductory definition is a macroscopic definition, while the Brønsted-Lowry definition and the Lewis definition are microscopic definitions.

a) The introductory definition focuses on observable properties, while the others involve molecular interactions.

b) The Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis definitions are outdated and not widely accepted.

c) Macroscopic definitions are more accurate than microscopic definitions.

d) All definitions of acids are purely theoretical and have no practical application.

Answer 1

a) The introductory definition focuses on observable properties, while the others involve molecular interactions. The introductory definition of an acid, focusing on the increase in hydronium ions in water, is macroscopic because it describes the overall effect or behavior at a larger, observable scale.

Step-by-step explanation:

a) The introductory definition focuses on observable properties, while the others involve molecular interactions. The introductory definition of an acid, focusing on the increase in hydronium ions in water, is macroscopic because it describes the overall effect or behavior at a larger, observable scale. It doesn't delve into the specific molecular interactions occurring during the acid-base reaction. In contrast, the Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis definitions are microscopic. The Brønsted-Lowry definition considers the transfer of protons (H⁺) between molecules at the molecular level, emphasizing the exchange of individual particles. The Lewis definition goes further, involving electron-pair interactions, making it even more detailed at the microscopic level. Therefore, the distinction lies in the scale of observation, with the introductory definition being macroscopic and the Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis definitions being microscopic, providing insights into molecular-level interactions during acid-base reactions.