Question

what is the charge on the nitride ion in cobalt (ii) nitride? +3 -5 +5 -3

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the formula of cobalt (II) nitride

Cobalt (II) has a charge of \(+2\), denoted as \(Co^{2+}\). Let the charge on nitride ion be \(x\). The formula of cobalt (II) nitride is \(Co_3N_2\) (using the criss - cross method for ionic compounds: for \(Co^{2+}\) and \(N^{x}\), the sub - scripts are \(\vert x\vert\) and \(2\) respectively to make the compound neutral).

Step2: Set up the charge - neutrality equation

In a neutral compound, the sum of the charges of all ions is zero. For \(Co_3N_2\), we have \(3\times(+ 2)+2\times x = 0\).

$$6 + 2x=0$$

Step3: Solve the equation for \(x\)

Subtract \(6\) from both sides of the equation: \(2x=-6\). Then divide both sides by \(2\): \(x = - 3\).

Answer:

-3