What is the most common ion charge for nitrogen?
A. +5
B. +7
C. -3
D. -1
Answer (2)
Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons and needs 3 more to complete its octet.
Gaining 3 electrons results in a -3 charge.
Therefore, the most common ion charge for nitrogen is − 3 .
Explanation
Problem Analysis We are asked to determine the most common ion charge for nitrogen from the given options: +5, +7, -3, and -1. To do this, we need to understand nitrogen's electron configuration and how it achieves a stable octet.
Valence Electrons and Octet Rule Nitrogen (N) is in Group 15 (also known as Group 5A) of the periodic table. This means it has 5 valence electrons. Atoms tend to gain or lose electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, typically with 8 electrons in their outermost shell (octet rule).
Determining Ion Charge Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. To achieve a stable octet, it needs to gain 3 more electrons (8 - 5 = 3). Gaining 3 electrons results in a -3 charge. Therefore, the most common ion charge for nitrogen is -3.
Comparison with Options Comparing our result with the given options, we find that -3 is one of the options.
Final Answer Therefore, the most common ion charge for nitrogen is − 3 .
Examples
Understanding ion charges is crucial in many real-world applications. For example, in agriculture, nitrogen is a key nutrient for plant growth. Plants absorb nitrogen in the form of nitrate ions ( N O 3 − ) and ammonium ions ( N H 4 + ). The negative charge of the nitrate ion is due to nitrogen's tendency to gain 3 electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This concept is also vital in understanding chemical reactions, designing new materials, and developing new technologies.
The most common ion charge for nitrogen is -3, as it needs to gain three electrons to complete its octet of 8 electrons. This corresponds with option C. Therefore, the correct answer is C. -3.
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