Which ionic compound is expected to form from combining the following pairs of elements? c. lithium and nitrogen

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Identify the charges of the ions formed by each element. Lithium (Li) is in Group 1 of the periodic table and forms a cation with a charge of +1 (Li^+). Nitrogen (N) is in Group 15 and typically forms an anion with a charge of -3 (N^{3-}).

Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the charges. Since lithium has a +1 charge and nitrogen has a -3 charge, you will need three lithium ions to balance the charge of one nitrogen ion.

Write the formula of the ionic compound by combining the ions in the ratio determined. The formula will be Li_3N, indicating three lithium ions for every one nitrogen ion.

Check the overall charge of the compound to ensure it is neutral. The total positive charge from three Li^+ ions is +3, and the total negative charge from one N^{3-} ion is -3, resulting in a neutral compound.

Conclude that the expected ionic compound formed from lithium and nitrogen is lithium nitride, with the chemical formula Li_3N.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Ionic Bonding

Ionic bonding occurs when atoms transfer electrons to achieve full outer electron shells, resulting in the formation of charged ions. Typically, metals lose electrons to become positively charged cations, while nonmetals gain electrons to become negatively charged anions. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms a stable ionic compound.

Electron Configuration

Electron configuration describes the distribution of electrons in an atom's orbitals. Understanding the electron configuration of lithium (Li) and nitrogen (N) is crucial for predicting their bonding behavior. Lithium has one electron in its outer shell, while nitrogen has five, making it likely for lithium to lose its electron and nitrogen to gain three electrons to achieve a stable octet.

Formation of Ionic Compounds

The formation of ionic compounds involves the combination of cations and anions in a ratio that results in a neutral overall charge. In the case of lithium and nitrogen, lithium typically forms a +1 cation (Li⁺) and nitrogen forms a -3 anion (N³⁻). Therefore, three lithium ions are needed to balance one nitrogen ion, leading to the formation of lithium nitride (Li₃N).

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