The Brönsted-Lowry theory, proposed by chemists Johannes Brönsted and Thomas Lowry, revolutionizes the classical definition of acids and bases. In this theory, acids are substances that donate hydrogen ions (protons), while bases are those that accept hydrogen ions. This theory allows for a broader range of acid-base reactions, including those that do not occur in aqueous solutions. Key concepts include the formation of conjugate acid-base pairs, where an acid transforms into its conjugate base after donating a proton, and a base transforms into a conjugate acid upon accepting a proton. Examples include the reaction of ammonia with water, where ammonia accepts a proton to become ammonium, showcasing the dual acidic and basic nature of water.