Question

What is the formula for magnesium nitride?

Answer 1

`Mg_3N_2`

Explanation:

Of course this is the ionic salt of `Mg^(2+)` and `N^(3-)`. Hydrolysis gives ammonia:

`Mg_3N_2(s) + 6H_2O(l) rarr 3Mg(OH)_2(aq) + 2NH_3(aq)`