Question

lithium nitride (li₃n) has the potential to be used as a solid electrolyte in lithium - ion batteries. it can be produced by burning lithium metal (li) in nitrogen gas (n₂). which chemical equation accurately represents this reaction? 6li(s)+n₂(g)→li₃n(s) 3li(s)+n₂(g)→li₃n(s) 6li(s)+n₂(g)→2li₃n(s) li(s)+n₂(g)→2li₃n(s)

Explanation:

Step1: Balance the nitrogen atoms

On the left - hand side, there are 2 nitrogen atoms in \(N_2\). On the right - hand side, there is 1 nitrogen atom in \(Li_3N\). To balance the nitrogen atoms, we put a coefficient of 2 in front of \(Li_3N\). So the equation becomes \(Li+N_2
ightarrow 2Li_3N\).

Step2: Balance the lithium atoms

Now, on the right - hand side, there are \(2\times3 = 6\) lithium atoms in \(2Li_3N\). On the left - hand side, there is 1 lithium atom in \(Li\). To balance the lithium atoms, we put a coefficient of 6 in front of \(Li\). The balanced equation is \(6Li(s)+N_2(g)
ightarrow 2Li_3N(s)\)

Answer:

\(6Li(s)+N_2(g)
ightarrow 2Li_3N(s)\) (the third option)