Final answer:
An ionic bond is formed between lithium (Li) and nitrogen (N) because lithium is a metal that loses an electron to become Li+, and nitrogen is a nonmetal that gains electrons to become N3-, resulting in an attraction between oppositely charged ions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of bond that is formed between lithium (Li) and nitrogen (N) is an ionic bond. Lithium is a metal, while nitrogen is a nonmetal. According to the general rules of chemistry, when a metal and a nonmetal react, they tend to form an ionic bond. This happens because metals have a tendency to lose electrons and form cations, while nonmetals have a tendency to gain electrons and form anions. In the case of Li-N bonding, Lithium gives up an electron to form a Li+ ion, and nitrogen gains electrons to form a N3- ion. The resulting attraction between these oppositely charged ions constitutes an ionic bond.