The chemical reaction of lithium and nitrogen to yield lithium nitride is:

6 Li + N₂ → 2 Li₃N

Here's what's happening:

* Lithium (Li) is a highly reactive alkali metal.

* Nitrogen (N₂) is a diatomic gas that is relatively unreactive.

* Lithium nitride (Li₃N) is an ionic compound formed by the reaction.

Explanation:

Lithium readily loses one electron to become a positively charged ion (Li⁺). Nitrogen, on the other hand, gains three electrons to become a negatively charged ion (N³⁻). The strong electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms the stable ionic compound lithium nitride.

Important Note: This reaction requires heating lithium metal in an atmosphere of nitrogen gas to initiate the reaction.