How to tell if a species is a Bronsted acid, base, or both

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In summary, a Bronsted acid is a substance that is able to donate a proton (H+) to another substance, while a Bronsted base is a substance that is able to accept a proton (H+) from another substance. A species can be classified as a Bronsted acid if it has a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative element and can donate a proton, and as a Bronsted base if it has a lone pair of electrons available to accept a proton. A species can also act as both a Bronsted acid and base depending on the reaction it is involved in. The strength of a Bronsted acid or base is determined by its ability to donate or accept a proton, with stronger acids having a greater tendency to donate pro
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Homework Statement
Identify the following species as a Bronsted acid, base, or both

a) HI
b) CH3HOOH
c) H2PO4-
d) HSO4-

I don't need the answers-- those are in the back of the book. I just don't understand how to classify each species. Thanks in advance for any help!
 
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What are the Brønsted acid/base definitions?
 
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Acid is a proton "donor", Base is a proton "acceptor".
 

1. How do you define a Bronsted acid?

A Bronsted acid is a substance that is able to donate a proton (H+) to another substance.

2. What is a Bronsted base?

A Bronsted base is a substance that is able to accept a proton (H+) from another substance.

3. How can you tell if a species is a Bronsted acid or base?

A species is considered a Bronsted acid if it has a hydrogen atom that is bonded to an electronegative element (such as oxygen or nitrogen) and is able to donate a proton. A species is considered a Bronsted base if it has a lone pair of electrons available to accept a proton.

4. Can a species be both a Bronsted acid and base?

Yes, a species can act as both a Bronsted acid and base depending on the reaction it is involved in. For example, water can act as a Bronsted acid by donating a proton to a stronger base, but it can also act as a Bronsted base by accepting a proton from a stronger acid.

5. Are there any other factors that determine if a species is a Bronsted acid or base?

Yes, the strength of a Bronsted acid or base is also determined by its ability to donate or accept a proton. Stronger acids have a greater tendency to donate protons, while stronger bases have a greater tendency to accept protons. Additionally, the solvent and temperature of a reaction can also affect the strength of a Bronsted acid or base.

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