Question

When nitrogen and magnesium form an ionic bond, what is the formula? (2 points) Select one: a. N3Mg2 b. N2Mg3 c. Mg2N3 d. Mg3N2

Answer 1

Answer is: d. Mg3N2.

Mg₃N₂ is magnesium nitride.

Nitrogen (nonmetal) in this chemical compound has oxidation number -3 and magnesium (metal) has oxidation number +2.

Smallest common multiple for 3 and 2 is 6.

number of nitrogen atoms = 6 ÷ 3.

number of nitrogen atoms = 2, there are two nitrogen atoms.

number of magnesium atoms: 6 ÷ 2.

number of magnesium atoms = 3.