Question

Based on the electron configuration of the two

atoms, predict the ratio of metal cationic (+) atom

to nonmetal anionic (-) atom in the compound.

Lithium 1s²2s1

Nitrogen 1s22s22p3

Answer 1

3:1

Step-by-step explanation:

Lithium is a group 1 element. This means it would donate one electron to form the cation.

Nitrogen on the other hand is a group 5 element. It would accept 3 electrons to form the anion.

This means there has to be three lithium atoms, each donating an electron each to the nitrogen atom for a compound to be formed.

The formular for the ionic compound would be given as;

Li₃N

Hence the ration is 3:1