Acids and bases can be defined operationally based on experimental observations or conceptually based on theories. Operationally, acids are sour electrolytes that turn litmus red and react with metals, while bases are bitter electrolytes that turn litmus blue. Conceptually, acids are proton donors according to Arrhenius and Bronsted-Lowry, or electron pair acceptors according to Lewis. Conjugate acid-base pairs involve the transfer of a proton between an acid and its conjugate base. The strength of an acid or base depends on its tendency to donate or accept protons.