All else being equal, which of the following would be the strongest base?Select answer from the options belowA carbon anionA fluorine anion (fluoride)  An oxygen anionA nitrogen anion

The strength of a base is determined by its ability to donate electrons. The more readily a base donates its electrons, the stronger it is. This ability is influenced by the size of the atom and its electronegativity.

1. Carbon anion: Carbon is not very electronegative and it is small in size, so it can hold onto its extra electron quite tightly, making it a weak base.

2. Fluorine anion (fluoride): Fluorine is the most electronegative element, meaning it holds onto its electrons very tightly. This makes it a weak base.

3. Oxygen anion: Oxygen is more electronegative than carbon and nitrogen, but less than fluorine. It is also larger than carbon and fluorine, but smaller than nitrogen. This makes it a moderate base.

4. Nitrogen anion: Nitrogen is less electronegative than oxygen and fluorine, meaning it holds onto its electrons less tightly. It is also the largest of the four atoms, meaning its extra electron is further from the nucleus and therefore less tightly held. This makes it the strongest base of the four.

So, the answer is a nitrogen anion.