Answer :
Final answer:
The azide ion, N3-, contains a triple bond between one nitrogen atom and another nitrogen atom. The remaining lone pair of electrons on each nitrogen atom gives each end nitrogen atom a formal charge of -1. The middle nitrogen atom, which is in the center of the ion, has a formal charge of +1. The total number of valence electrons in the azide ion is 16.
Explanation:
The azide ion, N3-, contains a triple bond between one nitrogen atom and another nitrogen atom. The remaining lone pair of electrons on each nitrogen atom gives each end nitrogen atom a formal charge of -1. The middle nitrogen atom, which is in the center of the ion, has a formal charge of +1. To determine the number of valence electrons in the azide ion, we add up the valence electrons on each nitrogen atom and the charge on the ion. Since each nitrogen atom has 5 valence electrons and the ion has a charge of -1, the total number of valence electrons in the azide ion is 16.