Chapter 7, Problem 55A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The formation of nitrogen anion needs to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The formation of ion takes place when there is deficiency of electrons in the outermost shell. The electron can be lost to form a cation or electron can be gained to form an anion.

Answer to Problem 55A

Nitrogen gains 3 electrons to form Nitrogen ion and complete its octet.

Explanation of Solution

Nitrogen belongs to Group 15 of periodic table. It has atomic number of 7. It has electronic configuration as

${\text{1s}}^{\text{2}}2{\text{s}}^{2}2{\text{p}}^{\text{3}}$

It has three valence electrons and this element will gain three electrons to become a negative ion such that it gets configuration of Nobel gas Neon.

$\text{N }\stackrel{+3e^{-}}{\to }{\text{ N}}^{3-}$

Conclusion

Nitrogen gains 3 electrons to form Nitrogen ion and complete its octet.