Nitrogen Atom (N):
* Charge: Neutral (no charge)
* Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p³
* Number of Electrons: 7 (equal to its number of protons)
* Number of Protons: 7
* Number of Neutrons: 7 (in the most common isotope)
Nitrogen Ion (N³⁻):
* Charge: -3 (three negative charges)
* Electron Configuration: 1s² 2s² 2p⁶
* Number of Electrons: 10 (3 more than its number of protons)
* Number of Protons: 7
* Number of Neutrons: 7 (in the most common isotope)
Key Differences:
* Charge: The nitrogen atom is neutral, while the nitrogen ion has a -3 charge.
* Electron Configuration: The nitrogen atom has 5 valence electrons in its outermost shell (2p). The nitrogen ion, by gaining three electrons, fills its 2p shell, achieving a stable octet configuration.
* Number of Electrons: The nitrogen ion has three more electrons than the nitrogen atom.
Formation of N³⁻:
Nitrogen atoms can gain three electrons to form a nitride ion (N³⁻). This process is called reduction, as the nitrogen atom gains electrons. This results in a stable ion with a complete octet of electrons in its outermost shell.
In Summary:
The nitrogen atom is a neutral species with 5 valence electrons, while the nitride ion (N³⁻) is a negatively charged species with a complete octet configuration achieved by gaining three electrons.
