Question

Write the chemical formula of the compound magnesium nitride in a step-by-step manner.

Answer 1

The symbol of magnesium is ‘Mg’, having a valency of 2⁺.

The symbol of nitride is ‘N’ with valency 3^-.

Step 1 –

Write the formula of magnesium nitride:

Symbol Valency

Magnesium Mg 2⁺

Nitride N 3^-

Step 2 –

Write each symbol with its valency:

Mg²⁺ N^3-

Step 3 –

Interchanging the valencies:

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Mg}\mathrm{N} \\ \searrow \swarrow \\ {2}^{+}{3}^{-} \end{gathered}$$

The formula of the compound would be Mg₃N₂.