Final answer:
The nitride ion (N^-3) achieves stability by gaining three electrons to fill its valence shell, resulting in a noble gas electron configuration, similar to neon.
Step-by-step explanation:
The stable configuration of the nitride ion (N-3) is achieved when a nitrogen atom gains three electrons to achieve the same electron configuration as the noble gas neon, resulting in a full octet of eight electrons. This is consistent with the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to have a full valence shell of eight electrons. In the case of the nitride ion, once the nitrogen atom gains three electrons, it achieves a stable electronic structure represented by the symbol N3-.
The nitride ion (N 3−) is formed when nitrogen gains three electrons to achieve a stable, noble gas electron configuration. Nitrogen, in its neutral state, has five electrons in its outer shell (2s²2p³). By gaining three electrons, it attains a filled valence shell with eight electrons, following the octet rule.