In the given chemical equation, What is the missing coefficient to balance the equation?___ Mg + 1 N2 → 1 Mg3N2

1. Break Down the Problem

To balance the chemical equation $\text{Mg} + \text{N}_2 \rightarrow \text{Mg}_3\text{N}_2$, we first identify the number of atoms of each element on both sides of the equation.

2. Relevant Concepts

In a balanced chemical equation, the number of atoms of each element must be the same on both the reactant and product sides. In this case, we have:

• Magnesium (Mg)
• Nitrogen (N)

3. Analysis and Detail

• Count the atoms on the product side:

  • $\text{Mg}_3\text{N}_2$ contains 3 Mg atoms and 2 N atoms.

• Count the atoms on the reactant side:

  • Initially: $1 \text{Mg} + 1 \text{N}_2$ gives 1 Mg atom and 2 N atoms.

Now, to balance magnesium:

• We need 3 magnesium atoms on the reactant side.

Thus, the balanced equation can be represented as: $3 \text{Mg} + 1 \text{N}_2 \rightarrow 1 \text{Mg}_3\text{N}_2$

4. Verify and Summarize

• Reactants: 3 Mg and 2 N (from $\text{N}_2$).
• Products: 3 Mg and 2 N (from $\text{Mg}_3\text{N}_2$).

Both sides are now balanced with respect to each element.

Final Answer

The missing coefficient to balance the equation is 3. Thus, the balanced equation is: $3 \text{Mg} + 1 \text{N}_2 \rightarrow 1 \text{Mg}_3\text{N}_2$