Question

Ions are formed by electron loss or gain. The electron distribution Of a magnesium

atom is 2 + 8 + 2 and of a nitrogen atom is 2 + 5.


(i) Give the formula of the magnesium ion.


(ii) Give the formula Of the nitride ion.

Answer 1

(i) Magnesium loses two electrons to form a stable ion with a noble gas electron configuration. This results in the formation of an ion with a 2+ charge.

The formula of the magnesium ion is Mg2+.

(ii) Nitrogen gains three electrons to form a stable ion with a noble gas electron configuration. This results in the formation of an ion with a 3- charge.

The formula of the nitride ion is N3-.