Question

Explain how an ionic compound forms between Na & N.

Answer 1

Answer:

Three Na atom(s) each lose one electron, forming three Na+ ions. One N atom gains three electrons, forming a N^-3 ion. The ions attract, forming Na3N

Explanation:

Three Na atom(s) each lose one electron, forming three Na+ ions. One N atom gains three electrons, forming a N^-3 ion. The ions attract, forming Na3N.

Ionic bond:

It is the bond which is formed by the transfer of electron from one atom to the atom of another element.  

Both bonded atoms have very large electronegativity difference. The atom with large electronegativity value accept the electron from other with smaller value of electronegativity.

For example:

Na₃N is ionic compound. The electronegativity of is 3.04 and for sodium is 0.93. There is large difference is present. That's why electron from sodium is transfer to the nitrogen. Sodium becomes positive and nitrogen becomes negative ion.

One nitrogen atom required three electrons to complete the octet while sodium have one valance electron that's why three sodium atoms combine with one nitrogen atom.