Chapter 7.2, Problem 7PP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The formation of ionic compound from elements sodium and nitrogen needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

Chemical compounds are formed when the atoms, ions or molecules of two substances are attracted towards each other forming a chemical bond. This bond can be electrostatic when two oppositely charged ions are attracted towards each other and this bond is said to be ionic bond.

Answer to Problem 7PP

3 Sodium atoms will lose 3 electrons that is gained by Nitrogen to form ionic compound.

Explanation of Solution

The formation of Sodium Nitride is when sodium atoms interact with nitrogen atom.

The electronic configuration of Sodium is ${\text{1s}}^{\text{2}} {\text{2s}}^{\text{2}} {\text{2p}}^{\text{6}} {\text{3s}}^{\text{1}}$ or $\left[\text{Ne}\right]{\text{3s}}^1$

Sodium atom has one outermost electron which can be lost to become a positive ion.

Figure 1

The electronic configuration of Nitrogen is ${\text{1s}}^{\text{2}} {\text{2s}}^{\text{2}} {\text{2p}}^3$

Nitrogen atom has 3 half filled shells of p orbital. To fill up the half filled shells, it can take up 3 electrons to become a Nitride anion.

Figure 2

The 3 electrons can be supplied from 3 of Sodium atoms.

Hence, one can say that 3 Sodium atoms will lose 3 electrons that is gained by Nitrogen to get an octet structure to form ionic compound.

The overall compound is ${\text{Na}}_{\text{3}}\text{N}$

Conclusion

3 Sodium atoms will lose 3 electrons which is gained by Nitrogen to form ionic compound ${\text{Na}}_{\text{3}}\text{N}$.