To determine the correct chemical formula of trisilicon tetranitride, we need to break down the name of the compound into its components and understand what each part signifies.
1. Trisilicon:
- The prefix "tri-" refers to the number three.
- "Silicon" is represented by the chemical symbol [tex]\( Si \)[/tex].
- Therefore, trisilicon means there are three silicon atoms, or [tex]\( Si_3 \)[/tex].
2. Tetranitride:
- The prefix "tetra-" refers to the number four.
- "Nitride" is derived from nitrogen, which is represented by the chemical symbol [tex]\( N \)[/tex].
- Therefore, tetranitride means there are four nitrogen atoms, or [tex]\( N_4 \)[/tex].
By combining these parts, the chemical formula for trisilicon tetranitride is [tex]\( Si_3 N_4 \)[/tex].
Let's evaluate the given options:
- A. [tex]\( Si_3 N_4 \)[/tex]
- B. [tex]\( Si_4 N_3 \)[/tex]
- C. [tex]\( Si_3 N_6 \)[/tex]
- D. [tex]\( Si_6 N_3 \)[/tex]
- E. [tex]\( Si_4 N_6 \)[/tex]
The correct formula, as we determined from breaking down the name, is [tex]\( Si_3 N_4 \)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct answer is:
A. [tex]\( Si_3 N_4 \)[/tex]
