Which of the following is the correct formula for the nitride ion?

• A. N^{3-}
• B. NO_{2}^{-}
• C. NO_{3}^{-}
• D. NH_{4}^{+}

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element involved in the ion. Here, 'nitride' refers to the ion formed from nitrogen (N).
2. Recall that the nitride ion is formed when nitrogen gains electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, typically gaining 3 electrons.
3. Write the symbol for nitrogen and indicate the charge gained by adding a superscript with the charge: \(N^{3-}\).
4. Compare this with the other options: \(NO_{2}^{-}\) (nitrite ion), \(NO_{3}^{-}\) (nitrate ion), and \(NH_{4}^{+}\) (ammonium ion), which are polyatomic ions and not the nitride ion.
5. Conclude that the correct formula for the nitride ion is \(N^{3-}\) because it represents a nitrogen atom with a 3- charge.