Question

The chemical formula for calcium nitride is _____________.

Answer 1

1. Calcium ion is represented as ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}$ and nitride ion is represented as ${\mathrm{N}}^{3-}$.
2. +2 charge on ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}$ ion is balanced with -3 charge on ${\mathrm{N}}^{3-}$ ion, to form ${\mathbf{Ca}}_{\mathbf{3}}{\mathbf{N}}_{\mathbf{2}}$ when 3 ${\mathrm{Ca}}^{2+}$ ions combine with 2 ${\mathrm{N}}^{3-}$ ions.

Therefore, the chemical formula for calcium nitride is ${\mathbf{Ca}}_{\mathbf{3}}{\mathbf{N}}_{\mathbf{2}}$.