Question

What is the formula of a compound formed between nitrogen (N) and potassium (K)?

Answer 1

Answer

Potassium nitride= K3N

Explanation

Potassium nitride is the correct name of the compound with chemical formula, K3N. The compound is formed between potassium ion (K+) and nitride ion (N-3).

Potassium has nineteen electrons and since it obeys octet rule with electronic configuration of 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s1. Potassium loses an electron in its outer subshell(4s) to attain a stable electronic configuration (1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6). Thus, forming K+.

On the other hand, N has seven electrons with electronic configuration of 1s2 2s2 2p3. Nitrogen also obeys octet rule. Hence, it acquires three electrons to attain a stable octet noble gas configuration (1s2 2s2 2p6), resulting in N-3.

Every nitrogen atom acquires three electrons from potassium. Also, potassium loses one electron to each nitrogen atom. In this interaction every nitrogen atom becomes N-3 and each potassium becomes K+.

Answer 2

You need to consider the valences of the two elements. Potassium is +1; nitrogen is -3. To balance the molecule, you need 3 potassium to one nitrogen, or K3N