Use Lewis theory to determine the chemical formula for the compound formed between Mg and N. A) MgN B) Mg₃N₂ C) MgN₂ D) Mg₂N E) Mg₂N₃

Question

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Magnesium (Mg) has 2 valence electrons and tends to lose them to achieve a stable electron configuration, forming Mg²⁺ ions. Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons and tends to gain 3 electrons to achieve a stable configuration, forming N³⁻ ions. To balance the charges, 3 Mg²⁺ ions combine with 2 N³⁻ ions, resulting in the formula Mg₃N₂.

Use Lewis Theory to Determine the Chemical Formula for the Compound