Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
NH3 refers to ammonia, which is a colorless gas composed of nitrogen and hydrogen atoms. In aqueous solutions, it acts as a base due to its ability to accept protons from water molecules.
Related terms
Ammonium Ion (NH4+): When ammonia accepts a proton (H+) from an acid, it forms the ammonium ion. This process makes ammonia behave as a base.
Ammonia is considered a weak base because it only partially dissociates in water and does not completely donate all its protons.
Lewis Base: A Lewis base refers to any species that can donate an electron pair. In terms of acids and bases, it specifically relates to substances that can donate electrons for bonding with other species.