Question

Explain the electrovalency in: (b) Nitrogen

Answer 1

Electrovalency:

When an element combines with another element by losing and gaining electrons to form a compound, its valency is called electrovalency.

Electrovalency in nitrogen $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{N}\mathbf{\right)}$:

1. Nitrogen atom $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{N}\mathbf{\right)}$ has atomic number $7$. Thus, the number of electrons in a Nitrogen atom are $7$.
2. The electronic configuration of Nitrogen is $(2,5)$.
3. In order to acquire eight electrons in the outermost shell i.e. to attain nearest noble gas configuration, Nitrogen atom gains $3$ electrons in the outermost shell.
4. This leads to formation of Nitride ion having three units of negative charges $\left(N^{3-}\right)$.
5. Thus, the electrovalency of Nitrogen is $-3$.