Question

Chemical formula of Calcium nitride is $C{{a}_{3}}{{N}_{2}}$
A) True
B) False

Answer 1

Hint: The answer to this question lies in the fact that nitride has the oxidation state of -3 that is it is denoted by ${{N}^{3-}}$ and based on this calcium nitride formula can be written which is a balanced oxidation states.

Complete answer:
In the previous concepts of inorganic chemistry, we have studied about the oxidation states of a compound and an individual atom with their existence.
- Based on these concepts let us know some basics of oxidation states.
- Oxidation state indicates the hypothetical charge on the atom which is given on the basis of gain or loss of electrons in order to form a chemical bond.
- Oxidation number of an atom is equal to the total number of electrons which is removed from an element or added to it to reach the present state.
- On the other hand, the calcium nitride is ionic in nature it can be written in dissociated and balanced form as follows, $C{{a}^{2+}}$and ${{N}^{3-}}$
- We know that calcium exists as monatomic and nitrogen as diatomic in nature. Thus, on the basis of these facts we can write a balanced formula for calcium nitride as $C{{a}_{3}}{{N}_{2}}$ based on their oxidation states.

Therefore, the correct answer for the above given question is option A) True.

Additional information:
Calcium nitride is an inorganic compound which exists in several forms (isomorphs) among which alpha form is most common. The important role played by calcium nitrides is that it is used for obtaining the reactive nitride ions. $C{{a}_{3}}{{N}_{2}}$ exists as red-brown solid.

Note: The important point to be noted while writing the chemical formulas is that you must know the oxidation states and in which form the atom exists whether mono, di or triatomic. These facts may lead you to the correct answer.