What is the formula for sodium nitride?
1 Answer
Explanation:
Sodium is an element in group 1 of the periodic table. As such, it will form an electron by losing a single electron to form a
Nitrogen is an element in group 5 of the periodic table. When it forms the nitride ion, it gains three electrons to form a
In ionic compounds, the charges of constituent ions must balance. This can be achieved by having three sodium ions per nitride ion. Therefore, the formula of sodium nitride is
However,
It lacks a boiling point because of this. Since ionic compounds have very high melting and boiling points as a result of the strong electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions that holds them together, sodium nitride should be no different; however, it will decompose as shown at around