QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
Does nitrogen gain (negative charge) or lose (positive charge) electrons?
A. Lose
B. Gain
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step:
Step 2:: Understand Nitrogen's Electron Configuration
- Its electron configuration is $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{3}
- Nitrogen's atomic number is 7 - This means nitrogen has 5 valence electrons in its outer shell
Step 3:: Determine Electron Behavior
- Nitrogen wants to achieve a stable 8 -electron configuration in its outer shell - It needs 3 more electrons to complete its octet - To do this, nitrogen will GAIN electrons, not lose them
Step 4:: Electron Transfer Mechanism
- The charge will be $$3^{-}$$ (negative three)
- By gaining 3 electrons, nitrogen becomes a negatively charged ion (anion)
Step 5:: Analyze the Options
- Option A suggests losing electrons (incorrect) - Option B suggests gaining electrons (correct)
Final Answer
Gain Explanation: Nitrogen will gain electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, resulting in a negatively charged ion.
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