Final answer:
The statement that every anion can potentially be a base is true, as anions can accept hydrogen ions, with examples including OH− and CH3COO−. The correct option is a) True
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that every anion can potentially be a base is true. In the context of the Brønsted-Lowry definition, a base is a substance that can accept hydrogen ions (protons), and many anions are capable of doing just that. For instance, the hydroxide ion (OH−) can accept a proton to form water (H2O), just as the acetate ion (CH3COO−) can combine with a proton to form acetic acid. Bases can be neutral molecules, anions, or cations.
Strong bases, like NaOH and Ca(OH)2, which are usually ionic compounds containing the hydroxide ion, are 100% ionized in solution, whereas bases without OH, such as NH3 (ammonia), are considered weak bases because they are less than 100% ionized in solution.