What is the oxidation number of `Mg` and `N` in magnesium nitride?

Explanation

To determine the oxidation numbers of magnesium (Mg) and nitrogen (N) in magnesium nitride (Mg₃N₂), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Write the formula for magnesium nitride.
The formula for magnesium nitride is Mg₃N₂.

### Step 2: Identify the oxidation number of nitrogen.
In most compounds, nitrogen typically has an oxidation number of -3. This is because nitrogen can form three bonds and usually takes on this oxidation state in ionic compounds.

### Step 3: Set up the equation for the oxidation numbers.
Let the oxidation number of magnesium be represented as \( x \). Since there are 3 magnesium atoms and 2 nitrogen atoms in the compound, we can set up the equation based on the overall charge of the compound being neutral (0):

\[ 3x + 2(-3) = 0 \]

### Step 4: Simplify the equation.
Substituting the oxidation number of nitrogen into the equation gives:

\[ 3x - 6 = 0 \]

### Step 5: Solve for the oxidation number of magnesium.
Now, we can solve for \( x \):

\[ 3x = 6 \\ x = 2 \]

### Step 6: State the oxidation numbers.
Thus, the oxidation number of magnesium (Mg) is +2 and the oxidation number of nitrogen (N) is -3.

### Summary of the oxidation numbers:
- Oxidation number of Mg: +2
- Oxidation number of N: -3

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