Final answer:
The monatomic ion of nitrogen, or the nitride ion, has a charge ofA) -3. This is a result of nitrogen gaining three electrons to have the same electron configuration as neon, leading to a N³- ion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The charge on the monatomic ion of nitrogen, known as the nitride ion, is -3. Nitrogen, being in group 15 of the periodic table, is a nonmetal which forms negative ions (anions). To achieve the same electronic configuration as the nearest noble gas, neon, a nitrogen atom must gain three electrons. This results in the formation of a nitride ion with a net charge of -3, represented by the symbol N³-. In terms of writing the formula for an ionic compound like aluminum nitride, the aluminum ion would have a charge of +3 (Al³+) and carbon as a non-metal in group 14 would form a -4 ion (C⁴-), but aluminum carbide is not ionic. When combining ions to form neutral compounds, the total positive charge must balance the total negative charge.