To determine the products of the decomposition of calcium nitride (Ca₃N₂) into its elements, here is the step-by-step process:
1. Identify the formula of calcium nitride:
Calcium nitride has the chemical formula [tex]\( \text{Ca}_3\text{N}_2 \)[/tex]. This means for each formula unit, there are 3 atoms of calcium (Ca) and 2 atoms of nitrogen (N).
2. Determine the products of decomposition:
When calcium nitride decomposes, it breaks down into its constituent elements, which are calcium (Ca) and nitrogen (N).
3. Write the decomposition reaction:
The balanced chemical equation for the decomposition of calcium nitride is:
[tex]\[
\text{Ca}_3\text{N}_2 \rightarrow 3\text{Ca} + \text{N}_2
\][/tex]
This equation shows that one formula unit of calcium nitride yields 3 atoms of calcium and one diatomic molecule of nitrogen (N₂).
4. Check the stoichiometry:
- Calcium nitride ([tex]\(\text{Ca}_3\text{N}_2\)[/tex]) provides 3 calcium atoms as [tex]\(3\text{Ca}\)[/tex].
- The nitrogen part in calcium nitride forms a diatomic nitrogen molecule represented as [tex]\( \text{N}_2 \)[/tex].
Based on this balanced chemical reaction, the products of decomposition are [tex]\(3\text{Ca}\)[/tex] and [tex]\(\text{N}_2\)[/tex].
Therefore, the correct answer is:
[tex]\(3\text{Ca} + \text{N}_2\)[/tex]
This corresponds to the third given option.
