Solid lithium metal and diatomic nitrogen gas react spontaneously to form a solid product. Give the balanced chemical equation (including phases) that describes this reaction.

6 Li (s) + N₂ (g) → 2 Li₃N (s)

Explanation:

Solid lithium metal and diatomic nitrogen gas react spontaneously to form a solid product (lithium nitride). The chemical equation is:

Li (s) + N₂ (g) → Li₃N (s)

Since the atomicities in the product are odd, the easiest way to balance the equation is by first multiplying it by 2.

Li (s) + N₂ (g) → 2 Li₃N (s)

The final (balanced) equation is:

6 Li (s) + N₂ (g) → 2 Li₃N (s)