The nitride ion, N³⁻, is a negatively charged ion of nitrogen. To determine the number of protons and electrons, we need to understand the atomic structure of nitrogen.
Understanding Atomic Structure
Atoms consist of a nucleus containing protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutrally charged), surrounded by electrons (negatively charged) in electron shells or orbitals. The atomic number of an element defines the number of protons in its nucleus. This number is unique to each element and is what differentiates one element from another. In a neutral atom, the number of protons equals the number of electrons, resulting in a net neutral charge.
Nitrogen's Atomic Structure
Nitrogen (N) has an atomic number of 7. This means a neutral nitrogen atom contains:
- 7 protons: This is fixed; it's determined by the element's identity.
- 7 electrons: In a neutral atom, the number of electrons balances the number of protons.
The Nitride Ion (N³⁻)
The superscript 3- indicates that the nitrogen atom has gained three electrons. This is what creates the nitride ion. Therefore, the nitride ion (N³⁻) contains:
- 7 protons: The number of protons remains unchanged.
- 10 electrons: The neutral nitrogen atom gained 3 electrons (7 + 3 = 10).
Why does Nitrogen gain electrons?
Nitrogen, like other non-metals, tends to gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, specifically an octet (8 electrons in its outermost shell). By gaining three electrons, it achieves a stable electron configuration similar to that of the noble gas Neon.
Summary: Protons and Electrons in N³⁻
To summarize:
- Protons: 7
- Electrons: 10
Frequently Asked Questions (Addressing Potential "People Also Ask" queries):
How many neutrons are in a N³⁻ ion?
The number of neutrons in a nitrogen atom (and therefore the N³⁻ ion) varies depending on the isotope. The most common isotope of nitrogen, ¹⁴N, has 7 neutrons. However, other isotopes exist with different numbers of neutrons. The ion charge doesn't affect the number of neutrons.
What is the mass number of N³⁻?
The mass number depends on the isotope. For the most common isotope, ¹⁴N, the mass number is 14 (protons + neutrons = 7 + 7 = 14). Again, the ion charge doesn't alter the mass number.
What is the difference between a nitrogen atom and a nitride ion?
The key difference lies in the number of electrons. A nitrogen atom is electrically neutral (7 protons and 7 electrons), while a nitride ion (N³⁻) is negatively charged due to the addition of three extra electrons (7 protons and 10 electrons). This difference significantly impacts the ion's chemical properties and reactivity.
How is N³⁻ formed?
Nitride ions are typically formed through the reaction of nitrogen with a highly electropositive metal, such as lithium or magnesium. The metal readily donates its electrons to nitrogen, resulting in the formation of the N³⁻ ion and a metal cation.
