Question

explain your understanding by showing your work in writing the formulas: what is the difference between sodium nitride and sodium nitrate?

Explanation:

Sodium nitride is $Na_3N$, an ionic compound formed by sodium ($Na^+$) and nitride ($N^{3 -}$) ions. Sodium nitrate is $NaNO_3$, a salt composed of sodium ($Na^+$) and nitrate ($NO_3^-$) ions. They have different anions and thus different chemical and physical properties.

Answer:

Sodium nitride has the formula $Na_3N$ and is composed of sodium and nitride ions. Sodium nitrate has the formula $NaNO_3$ and is composed of sodium and nitrate ions.