What’s the formula for the ionic compound composed of cesium and nitride
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The formula for the ionic compound composed of cesium (Cs) and nitride (N) is Cs₃N.
Explanation
- Understanding the Elements:
- Cesium (Cs) is an alkali metal found in Group 1 of the periodic table. It has a single valence electron in its outer shell, which it readily loses to achieve a stable electronic configuration similar to that of noble gases. When cesium loses one electron, it becomes a positively charged ion (cation) with a charge of +1: ( \text{Cs}^+ ).
- Nitrogen (N) is a nonmetal located in Group 15. Nitrogen has five electrons in its outer shell and requires three additional electrons to complete its octet. Thus, when nitrogen gains three electrons, it forms a negatively charged ion (anion) known as nitride, with a charge of -3: ( \text{N}^{3-} ).
- Combining the Ions:
- To create a neutral ionic compound, the total positive charge from the cesium ions must balance the total negative charge from the nitride ion. In this case, one nitride ion (( \text{N}^{3-} )) needs to be balanced by three cesium ions (( \text{Cs}^+ )). This is because three ( \text{Cs}^+ ) ions will contribute a total charge of +3, which balances the -3 charge from the ( \text{N}^{3-} ) ion.
- Writing the Formula:
- The formula for the ionic compound is written by placing the cation first followed by the anion. Therefore, the correct formula for the ionic compound formed by cesium and nitride is ( \text{Cs}_3\text{N} ).
- Conclusion:
- Cesium nitride, with the formula ( \text{Cs}_3\text{N} ), represents the stable ionic compound formed when cesium ions combine with nitride ions. The interaction between these ions exemplifies the principle of charge balance in ionic compounds.