* Identify the charges:
* Magnesium (Mg) is in Group 2, so it forms a +2 ion (Mg²⁺).
* Nitrogen (N) is in Group 15, so it forms a -3 ion (N³⁻).
* Balance the charges:
* To achieve a neutral compound, we need three magnesium ions (3 x +2 = +6) and two nitrogen ions (2 x -3 = -6).
* Write the formula:
The ionic formula for magnesium nitride is Mg₃N₂.
