Question

How many lithium ions are required to bond with one nitrogen ion and why?

Answer 1

Answer: Three lithium ions are required to bond with one nitrogen ion.

Step-by-step explanation:

Ionic compound is formed by the complete transfer of electrons from 1 atom to another atom.

The atom which looses the electron is known as electropositive atom and the atom which gains the electron is known as electronegative atom. This bond is usually formed between a metal and a non-metal.

Lithium is the 3rd element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of
`1s^22s^1`

This element will loose 1 electron to form
`Li^+` ion

Nitrogen is the 7th element of the periodic table having electronic configuration of
`1s^22s^22p^3`

This element will gain 3 electrons to form
`N^(3-)` ion

To form an ionic compound of lithium and nitrogen atoms, three lithium ions are needed to neutralize the charge on 1 nitrogen atom.

The chemical compound formed will be
`Li_3N`

Hence, three lithium ions are required to bond with one nitrogen ion.