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Chapter 4: Problem 112

Predict the formula of the compound that forms when lithium atoms react with nitrogen atoms. Completely explain your reasoning.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The compound formed when lithium atoms react with nitrogen atoms is lithium nitride, with the formula Li_3N. The reasoning behind this is as follows: lithium has one valence electron (Li+) while nitrogen has 5 valence electrons (N3-). To form a neutral compound, three lithium ions (+1 charge each) are needed to balance the charge of one nitrogen ion (-3 charge). Thus, the ratio of lithium to nitrogen ions is 3:1, resulting in the formula Li_3N.

Step by step solution

01

Identify the valence electrons of lithium and nitrogen

First, we need to determine how many electrons are in the outermost shell (valence shell) of a lithium atom and a nitrogen atom by checking the periodic table. Lithium belongs to Group 1, which has one valence electron, while nitrogen belongs to Group 15 (or Group 5A) and has 5 valence electrons.
02

Determine the charge of the ions formed by each atom

In order to form a stable compound, lithium will likely lose its valence electron to achieve a stable, full outer electron shell (like the noble gas helium). This will result in a lithium ion with a +1 charge (symbolized as Li^+1 or simply Li+). Nitrogen, on the other hand, needs 3 more electrons to reach a stable, full outer electron shell (like the noble gas neon). This means it will likely gain 3 electrons, resulting in a nitrogen ion with a -3 charge (symbolized as N^-3 or simply N3-).
03

Determine the ratio of lithium ions to nitrogen ions needed to form a neutral compound

To form a neutral compound, the positive charge from the lithium ions must balance the negative charge from the nitrogen ions. Since the lithium ion has a charge of +1 and the nitrogen ion has a charge of -3, we need three lithium ions (3 x +1) to balance the charge of the single nitrogen ion (-3). Therefore, the ratio of lithium ions to nitrogen ions needed to form the compound is 3:1.
04

Predict the chemical formula of the compound

Based on the ratio of lithium ions to nitrogen ions we found in step 3 (3:1), we can predict the chemical formula of the compound formed between lithium and nitrogen to be Li_3N. This means that there are three lithium atoms reacting with one nitrogen atom to form a neutral compound, lithium nitride, with the formula Li_3N.

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