Certainly! To determine the name of the compound [tex]\( Mg_3N_2 \)[/tex], let's break it down step-by-step:
1. Identify the Elements:
- The compound [tex]\( Mg_3N_2 \)[/tex] consists of magnesium (Mg) and nitrogen (N).
2. Determine the Cation and Anion:
- Magnesium (Mg) is a metal, so it forms the cation [tex]\( Mg^{2+} \)[/tex].
- Nitrogen (N) is a non-metal, so it forms the anion [tex]\( N^{3-} \)[/tex].
3. Formula Composition:
- In the compound [tex]\( Mg_3N_2 \)[/tex], magnesium is present as [tex]\( Mg^{2+} \)[/tex] and nitrogen is present as [tex]\( N^{3-} \)[/tex].
- The subscript '3' with magnesium and '2' with nitrogen indicates the number of each ion needed to balance the charges in the compound.
4. Balancing Charges:
- The total positive charge from magnesium ions is [tex]\( 3 \times (+2) = +6 \)[/tex].
- The total negative charge from nitrogen ions is [tex]\( 2 \times (-3) = -6 \)[/tex].
- The overall charge balance is neutral, [tex]\( +6 - 6 = 0 \)[/tex], forming a stable compound.
5. Naming the Compound:
- The cation (metal) name goes first, followed by the anion (non-metal) name.
- For magnesium (Mg), the name remains the same.
- For nitrogen (N), the anion name derived from nitrogen is "nitride".
Therefore, putting the names together, the name of the compound [tex]\( Mg_3N_2 \)[/tex] is Magnesium Nitride.
