* Sodium (Na) is a metal and tends to lose one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration. This results in the formation of a positively charged sodium ion (Na+).

* Nitrogen (N) is a nonmetal and tends to gain three electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. This results in the formation of a negatively charged nitride ion (N³⁻).

The strong electrostatic attraction between the positively charged sodium ions and the negatively charged nitride ions leads to the formation of an ionic bond. This results in the compound sodium nitride (Na₃N).