When nitrogen (N2) reacts with sodium (Na), sodium nitride (Na3N) is formed. The balanced equation for the reaction would be: N2 + 3Na -> 2Na3N.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct balanced chemical equation for the reaction between nitrogen and sodium to form sodium nitride is:
N2 + 6Na -> 2Na3N
🧪 Explanation
Balancing chemical equations ensures that the law of conservation of mass is upheld—meaning the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both sides of the equation.
Let’s break it down:
- Identify the reactants and products:
- Reactants: Nitrogen gas (N₂) and sodium metal (Na)
- Product: Sodium nitride (Na₃N)
- Write the unbalanced equation:
N2 + Na -> Na3N - Balance nitrogen atoms:
- On the left, N₂ has 2 nitrogen atoms.
- On the right, each Na₃N molecule contains 1 nitrogen atom.
- To balance nitrogen, we need 2 Na₃N molecules:
N2 + Na -> 2Na3N
- Balance sodium atoms:
- Each Na₃N molecule contains 3 sodium atoms.
- Two Na₃N molecules contain 2 × 3 = 6 sodium atoms.
- So, we need 6 Na atoms on the left:
N2 + 6Na -> 2Na3N
- Final check:
- Left side: 2 nitrogen atoms, 6 sodium atoms
- Right side: 2 nitrogen atoms (in 2 Na₃N), 6 sodium atoms (in 2 Na₃N)
- ✅ Balanced
This reaction illustrates how metals like sodium can react with nonmetals like nitrogen to form ionic compounds. Sodium donates electrons to nitrogen, forming Na⁺ and N³⁻ ions, which combine in a 3:1 ratio to form Na₃N. The balanced equation reflects this stoichiometry and ensures mass and charge are conserved.
