Question

what is the formula for the ionic compound formed by calcium and nitrogen? cn can ca₃n₂ ca₂n₃

Explanation:

Step1: Determine the charges of ions

Calcium (\(Ca\)) is in Group 2 of the periodic table, so it forms \(Ca^{2 +}\) ions. Nitrogen (\(N\)) is in Group 15, and it forms \(N^{3-}\) ions.

Step2: Balance the charges

To balance the charges in an ionic compound, we use the cross - multiply method. For \(Ca^{2 +}\) and \(N^{3-}\), we need to find the least common multiple of 2 and 3, which is 6. So we need 3 \(Ca^{2 +}\) ions (\(3\times2=6\)) and 2 \(N^{3-}\) ions (\(2\times3 = 6\)).

Answer:

\(Ca_3N_2\)