A nitride ion (N³⁻) contains a total of 10 electrons.
Understanding Neutral Nitrogen Atoms
To determine the electron count in a nitrogen ion, it's essential to first understand the composition of a neutral nitrogen atom. The atomic number of an element defines the number of protons in its nucleus. For a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons.
- Atomic Number of Nitrogen: 7
This means a neutral nitrogen atom has:
- 7 protons in its nucleus.
- 7 electrons orbiting the nucleus.
Here's a quick overview:
| Particle | Neutral Nitrogen Atom (N) |
|---|---|
| Protons | 7 |
| Electrons | 7 |
Formation of a Nitride Ion (N³⁻)
Ions are atoms or molecules that have gained or lost one or more electrons, resulting in a net electrical charge. A nitride ion, specifically denoted as N³⁻, is a negatively charged ion. The superscript "3-" indicates that the nitrogen atom has gained three extra electrons.
The process of forming a nitride ion involves:
- Starting with a neutral nitrogen atom that has 7 electrons.
- The nitrogen atom gains 3 additional electrons from another atom during a chemical reaction.
- This increase in electrons gives the atom a net negative charge, forming the N³⁻ ion.
Therefore, the total number of electrons in a nitride ion is calculated as:
- Electrons in neutral nitrogen (7) + Electrons gained (3) = 10 total electrons
Electron Configuration and Stability
The formation of the nitride ion is driven by the desire for stability, often explained by the octet rule. The octet rule states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration with eight electrons in their outermost shell, similar to that of a noble gas.
- A neutral nitrogen atom has an electron configuration of [He] 2s²2p³. It needs 3 more electrons to complete its 2p subshell and achieve a stable octet (8 valence electrons).
- By gaining 3 electrons, the nitride ion (N³⁻) achieves the electron configuration of [He] 2s²2p⁶, which is identical to that of the noble gas Neon (Ne). This makes the nitride ion particularly stable.
Key Takeaways
- A neutral nitrogen atom possesses 7 electrons, corresponding to its atomic number.
- A nitride ion (N³⁻) is formed when a neutral nitrogen atom gains 3 additional electrons.
- The total number of electrons in a nitride ion (N³⁻) is 10.
- This gain of electrons leads to a stable electron configuration, making the nitride ion isoelectronic with Neon.
