The total number of electrons in a nitride ion (N³⁻) is 10.
Understanding the Nitride Ion
A nitride ion is an anion formed when a neutral nitrogen atom gains three electrons. Nitrogen (N) is an element with an atomic number of 7, which means a neutral nitrogen atom naturally contains 7 protons and 7 electrons. Its position in Group 15 of the periodic table makes it tend to gain three electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, similar to that of a noble gas (like Neon).
Electron Count in Detail
When a neutral nitrogen atom gains three electrons, it forms the N³⁻ ion. This addition of electrons changes the particle's charge and its electron count, while the number of protons (which defines the element) remains constant.
- Protons: The atomic number of nitrogen is 7, so a nitride ion always has 7 protons in its nucleus. Protons determine the element's identity and carry a positive charge.
- Neutrons: While the number of neutrons can vary in different isotopes, a common nitride ion contains 8 neutrons. Neutrons contribute significantly to the atomic mass but do not carry an electric charge.
- Electrons: Starting with 7 electrons in a neutral nitrogen atom, the gain of 3 electrons results in a total of 7 + 3 = 10 electrons. These negatively charged particles orbit the nucleus in specific energy shells.
Summary of Subatomic Particles in a Nitride Ion
Here's a breakdown of the subatomic particles found in a typical nitride ion:
| Particle | Number | Charge | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Protons | 7 | Positive | Nucleus |
| Neutrons | 8 | Neutral | Nucleus |
| Electrons | 10 | Negative | Electron Shells |
This distribution of subatomic particles gives the nitride ion a net charge of -3 (7 positive charges from protons and 10 negative charges from electrons).
Where Are Nitride Ions Found?
Nitride ions are commonly found in ionic compounds, where they form strong electrostatic bonds with positively charged metal ions. Examples include:
- Lithium Nitride (Li₃N): An important compound used in battery research and as a powerful base. In this compound, three lithium ions (Li⁺) balance the charge of one nitride ion (N³⁻).
- Magnesium Nitride (Mg₃N₂): Used in the synthesis of other inorganic compounds.
Understanding the electron count of ions like nitride is fundamental to predicting their chemical behavior and reactivity in various compounds. For further reading on ions and atomic structure, you can explore resources like Khan Academy's introduction to ions or Wikipedia's page on ions.
