Final answer:
Acids produce hydrogen ions (H+) in solution, while bases produce hydroxide ions (OH-), which determines their distinct properties such as taste and reactivity. The Bronsted-Lowry theory highlights the proton donation of acids and acceptance by bases, aligning with the Lewis theory that defines acids as electron pair acceptors and bases as donors. These characteristics enable acids and bases to neutralize each other.
Step-by-step explanation:
Acids and bases differ fundamentally in the way they dissociate in water. Acids are substances that ionize to produce hydrogen ions (H¹) in aqueous solutions. On the other hand, bases typically produce hydroxide ions (OH-) when dissolved in water. The behaviors of acids and bases in terms of particle dissociation lead to their distinct properties.
Acids, often described by a sour taste, react with certain metals to produce hydrogen gas and are used as electrolytes in aqueous solutions. Bases, in contrast, have a bitter taste and are slippery to the touch. These properties are related to their ability to either donate or accept protons in a solution. For instance, the donation of protons by acids makes them proton donors as per the Bronsted-Lowry definition, and the acceptance of protons by bases makes them proton acceptors. The Lewis theory furthers this by describing acids as electron pair acceptors and bases as electron pair donors. The pH scale, which measures the acidity or basicity of solutions, is based on the presence of these ions. This difference in particles also explains why acids and bases can neutralize each other to form water (H₂O) and a salt.