Consider the dissolution of quartz (a very slow reaction) by the action of a strong base solution:

Consider the dissolution of quartz (a rather slow reaction) by the action of a strong base solution:

SiO₂(s) + 4OH^-(aq) -----> SiO₄^4-(aq) + H₂O(l)

1. What is the acid, and what is the base, in the reactants of this equation?

2. Describe how the reaction can be understood as an acid-base reaction using at least three different acid-base definitions (Arrhenius, Brønsted-Lowry, Lewis, Lux-Flood, and Solvent System).

3. Compare how these different definitions aid or hinder our understanding of the reaction. In other words, different definitions may emphasize different aspects of the reaction. Some may be more complex or even give a confusing picture of what is happening. Decide which one is best for your understanding of the reaction.