Write the name of the chemical formula for tin (II) nitride.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer: Tin (II) nitride
Explanation:
The chemical formula for tin (II) nitride is Sn₃N₂, and its name is tin (II) nitride.
To understand the name, we must look at how ionic compounds are named. This compound consists of two elements: tin (Sn), which is a metal, and nitrogen (N), which is a nonmetal. This combination means the compound is an ionic compound.
1. Tin (Sn):
Tin is a metal that can have multiple oxidation states. The Roman numeral in parentheses after its name tells us the specific charge of the tin cation in this compound. In the case of tin (II), the Roman numeral II indicates that each tin ion has a +2 charge (Sn²⁺).
2. Nitride (N³⁻):
The nitride ion is a nitrogen atom that has gained three electrons, giving it a charge of -3 (N³⁻). When naming nonmetals in ionic compounds, the ending of the element is changed to -ide, so nitrogen becomes nitride.
3. Balancing the Charges:
To form a neutral compound, the total positive charge from the tin ions must equal the total negative charge from the nitride ions.
If we use 3 Sn²⁺ ions, we get a total positive charge of +6.
If we use 2 N³⁻ ions, we get a total negative charge of -6.
This results in a neutral compound, Sn₃N₂.
4. Final Name:
Since tin has a +2 oxidation state in this compound, we include that in the name using Roman numerals. Therefore, Sn₃N₂ is named tin (II) nitride.
This naming system helps distinguish between different ionic compounds formed by elements that can have more than one charge, which is common for many transition metals and post-transition metals like tin.
