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Chapter 5: Problem 43

Predict the formula of the ionic compound that would result from the reaction between lithium and nitrogen.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The formula of the ionic compound resulting from the reaction between lithium and nitrogen is \(Li_3N\).

Step by step solution

01

Determine the charges of the ions

Lithium (Li) is an alkali metal from group 1, which means it has 1 valence electron and will lose that electron to become positively charged with a +1 charge (Li⁺). Nitrogen (N) is in group 15 and has 5 valence electrons, it needs 3 more electrons to complete its octet. Therefore, it will gain 3 electrons to become negatively charged with a -3 charge (N³⁻).
02

Balance the charges

In order to form an electrically neutral compound, the charges must be balanced, meaning the total positive charge should equal the total negative charge. We can achieve this by finding the least common multiple (LCM) of the charges: LCM(+1, -3) = 3 We will need 3 lithium ions (each with a +1 charge) to neutralize 1 nitrogen ion (with a -3 charge).
03

Write the formula of the compound

Based on the above analysis, we can now write the formula of the ionic compound resulting from the reaction between lithium and nitrogen. Since we need 3 lithium ions and 1 nitrogen ion to balance their charges, the formula of the resulting compound will be Li₃N.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

The phosphorus atom in \(\mathrm{PCl}_{3}\) should have a (a) \(\delta^{+}\) charge (b) \(\delta^{-}\) charge (c) \(3+\) charge (d) 3 - charge Explain.

A compound consisting of one oxygen atom and two nitrogen atoms is written \(\mathrm{N}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) and is called dinitrogen monoxide. It is not written as \(\mathrm{ON}_{2}\), and it is not called oxygen dinitride. Explain why.

Draw dot diagrams for all resonance forms of the \(\mathrm{NCO}^{-}\) ion.

Consider the \(\mathrm{PO}_{4}^{3}\) phosphate anion. (a) Draw a dot diagram that obeys the octet rule for all of the atoms. (b) Suppose the actual bond order for the \(\mathrm{P}-\mathrm{O}\) bonds was \(1.25 .\) Draw a dot diagram that explains this, using the concept of expanded octet and resonance. Also state whether expanding the octet as you have shown would be allowed, and why.

Hydrogen isothiocyanate has formula HNCS, and its atoms are connected in the order written. Draw dot diagrams showing all the valid resonance forms.
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