For the pair of compounds,Li3N and NH3, classify the bonding as ionic or covalent and explain your choice. Select the single best answer for each part.
Li3N is classified as ionic bonding because it is formed between a metal (Li) and a nonmetal (N). In ionic bonding, there is a transfer of electrons from the metal to the nonmetal, resulting in the formation of positive and negative ions. In this case, Li donates three electrons to N, resulting in the formation of Li+ and N3- ions.
NH3 is classified as covalent bonding because it is formed between nonmetals (N and H). In covalent bonding, there is a sharing of electrons between atoms to complete their valence shells. In NH3, nitrogen (N) shares its lone pair of electrons with three hydrogen (H) atoms, resulting in the formation of three covalent bonds.