Question

In chemical notation, how are the charges represented when lithium (L) loses an electron and when nitrogen (N) gains 3 electrons?

A) Li⁺³ and N⁻³
B) Li⁺¹ and N⁻³
C) Li⁻¹ and N⁺³
D) Li⁺¹ and N⁻¹

Answer 1

The correct representation of charges after lithium loses an electron is Li+, and when nitrogen gains three electrons it is N3-. Therefore, the correct notation is Li+ and N3-, which is option B.

Step-by-step explanation:

In chemical notation, charges are represented by superscript numbers and signs following the element symbol. When lithium (Li) loses an electron, it forms a cation with a positive charge, specifically, Li+ because it has one less electron than protons. According to its position in the periodic table, lithium, being in Group 1A, loses one electron to form a cation with a charge of 1+. On the other hand, when nitrogen (N) gains three electrons, it forms an anion with a negative charge. Nitrogen, being in Group 15 of the periodic table, tends to gain three electrons to achieve the same electron configuration as neon, thus forming an anion with a charge of 3-, represented as N3-. Therefore, the correct way to represent the charges for lithium and nitrogen after electron transfer is Li+ and N3-, which corresponds to option B) Li+ (or Li1+) and N3-.