Final answer:
The product of the reaction between magnesium and nitrogen is magnesium nitride (Mg3N2), which consists of Mg2+ cations and N3- anions forming an ionic compound.
Step-by-step explanation:
The reaction between magnesium and nitrogen forms an ionic compound known as magnesium nitride. The product of this reaction is magnesium nitride (Mg3N2), which is the compound formed when magnesium, a group 2 element, reacts with nitrogen, a group 15 element. In this reaction, magnesium forms a cation (Mg2+) by losing two electrons because metals tend to lose electrons and form positive ions. Nitrogen, on the other hand, forms an anion (N3-) by gaining three electrons, as nonmetals tend to gain electrons to reach a stable electron configuration.
The chemical formula for the reaction is incorrect as provided in the question; the correct balanced chemical equation is: 3Mg + N2 → Mg3N2. Here, three magnesium atoms react with one nitrogen molecule (which consists of two nitrogen atoms) to produce one formula unit of magnesium nitride.