Here's why:
* Acids donate hydrogen ions (H+) to a solution.
* Bases accept hydrogen ions (H+) from a solution.
This process is called protonation. When a base accepts a hydrogen ion, it becomes protonated.
There are different types of bases:
* Arrhenius bases produce hydroxide ions (OH-) in solution, which then react with hydrogen ions to form water.
* Brønsted-Lowry bases are substances that can accept a proton (H+).
* Lewis bases are electron pair donors, and can accept a proton by sharing its electron pair with the hydrogen ion.
Examples of bases:
* Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is a strong Arrhenius base that readily donates hydroxide ions.
* Ammonia (NH3) is a Brønsted-Lowry base that can accept a proton to form ammonium ions (NH4+).
* Carbonate ions (CO3^2-) are Lewis bases that can donate electron pairs to accept a proton.
Let me know if you'd like more information about specific types of bases!
