In: Chemistry
Use Lewis symbols to predict the formula for the compound that forms between magnesium and nitrogen.
Magnesium never gains but is always ready to lose electron as they are metals.
Magnesium is an alkali metal and Nitrogen is a non-metal.
Metals always have the tendency to lose electrons rather than gaining electrons, hence they are electropositive ; and the electropositive nature decreases across a period and increases down the group in a periodic table
The formula for the compound that is formed between Mg and N will be Mg3N2
Mg has 2 valence electrons and hence it loses 2 electrons (to attain octet) and thus becomes Mg2+ and Nitrogen having 5 valence electrons needs 3 more electrons to complete its octet. Hence 3 atoms of Magnesium and 2 atoms of Nitrogen are needed in order to compete the octet. The lewis diagram is mentioned below for better understanding. Hope this helps!