Nitrogen combine with metals to form

Options

A. nitrites
B. nitrates
C. nitrides
D. cyanides

Explanation

To solve the question "Nitrogen combines with metals to form," we need to analyze the possible compounds that nitrogen can form when it reacts with metals.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Nitrogen's Properties**:
- Nitrogen is a non-metal with a small atomic size and high bond dissociation energy. This means that nitrogen can form strong bonds with other elements, including metals.

**Hint**: Consider the characteristics of nitrogen that influence its reactivity with metals.

2. **Identifying Types of Metals**:
- Metals can be categorized into different groups, primarily alkali metals (Group 1) and alkaline earth metals (Group 2).

**Hint**: Think about the different groups of metals in the periodic table and their typical reactions.

3. **Reaction with Alkali Metals**:
- When nitrogen reacts with alkali metals (like lithium), it forms nitrides. For example, lithium reacts with nitrogen to form lithium nitride (Li₃N).
- The balanced reaction for lithium with nitrogen is:
\[ 6Li + N_2 \rightarrow 2Li_3N \]

**Hint**: Remember that alkali metals typically form nitrides with nitrogen.

4. **Reaction with Alkaline Earth Metals**:
- Similarly, when nitrogen reacts with alkaline earth metals (like magnesium), it also forms nitrides. For example, magnesium reacts with nitrogen to form magnesium nitride (Mg₃N₂).
- The balanced reaction for magnesium with nitrogen is:
\[ 3Mg + N_2 \rightarrow Mg_3N_2 \]

**Hint**: Consider how alkaline earth metals also form nitrides with nitrogen.

5. **Conclusion**:
- Since both alkali metals and alkaline earth metals react with nitrogen to form nitrides, the correct answer to the question is that nitrogen combines with metals to form **nitrides**.

**Hint**: Review the options provided in the question to confirm which one corresponds to the compounds formed.

### Final Answer:
Nitrogen combines with metals to form **nitrides**.