The nitride ion in lithium nitride is composed of

Explanation:

The correct answer is Option C, which can be explained as follows:

Nitride ion is basically N^3-.

The atomic number of N is 7, which means that a neutral N atom contains 7 protons in the nucleus and 7 electrons in the orbits around it. Besides, also contains 7 neutrons in the nucleus.

In N^3-, it is clearly seen that N has gained 3e^-1 thus having a net charge of -3 in the nitride ion.

So total number of electrons in the orbits has increased to 10, while the number of protons present in the nucleus remains the same i.e. 7 in N^3-.

Final Answer:

Hence, the nitride ion(N^3-) in lithium nitride is composed of 7 protons and 10 electrons. So the correct answer is Option C.