Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons. To achieve a stable octet, it is more likely to gain 3 electrons to form a nitride ion (N³⁻).

Here's why:

* Gaining electrons: Nitrogen needs 3 more electrons to complete its outer shell.

* Losing electrons: Losing 5 electrons to form N⁵⁺ is highly unlikely because it would require a lot of energy to remove so many electrons.

Therefore, N³⁻ is the most stable and likely ion formed by nitrogen.