For the pair of compounds, Sr3N2 classify the bonding as ionic or covalent and explain your choice. Select the single best answer for each part.
The bonding in Sr3N2 can be classified as ionic.
In Sr3N2, there is a large electronegativity difference between strontium (Sr) and nitrogen (N). Strontium has an electronegativity of about 0.95, while nitrogen has an electronegativity of about 3.04. This significant difference in electronegativity indicates that the bonding in Sr3N2 involves the transfer of electrons from strontium to nitrogen.
Ionic bonding occurs when there is a complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another. In this case, the strontium atoms completely transfer their electrons to the nitrogen atoms to form Sr3+ cations and N3- anions. The electrostatic attraction between these opposite charges holds the Sr3N2 compound together.
Therefore, the bonding in Sr3N2 is classified as ionic due to the large electronegativity difference between the two elements and the complete transfer of electrons.