Practice Problem 4

Predict the formula of the compound that forms when magnesium metal reacts with nitrogen to form magnesium nitride.

Solution

Magnesium is in Group IIA and nitrogen is in Group VA. The magnesium atoms therefore lose two electrons to form Mg²⁺ ions and the nitrogen atoms gain three electrons to form N^3- ions (5 - 8 = -3). To balance the charge, we need three Mg²⁺ ions for every two N^3- ions. The product of this reaction is therefore Mg₃N₂.

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