What process occurs during the three steps of proton gain?

The process of proton gain, which involves the transfer of protons to form acids or positively charged ions, typically consists of stages that align closely with the choices given. The correct choice describes the sequential steps involved in this process: electron loss, electron gain, and the attachment of a hydrogen ion (H+) to a substrate or molecule A.

In this context, the electron loss refers to the process where a chemical species, often an atom or molecule, loses an electron, thereby becoming more positive in charge, which makes it more favorable for proton attachment. The next step, electron gain, indicates that the species can capture an electron, stabilizing the resulting positive charge (due to the previous loss of an electron) before ultimately facilitating the attachment of a hydrogen ion.

Proton gain is essentially how acids function in aqueous solutions, as they donate H+ ions to bases, and understanding these steps provides a foundational basis for grasping broader acid-base chemistry.

In contrast, the other options do not satisfactorily represent the essential stages of proton gain. Ionization, hydration, and electron transfer are processes that occur in different contexts, particularly involving ion behavior in solutions but do not focus on the direct mechanism of proton attachment. Similarly, bond dissociation, ionization,