The word "calcium nitride" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet as /ˈkælsiəm ˈnaɪtraɪd/. The first part of the word, "calcium," is pronounced with a "k" sound at the beginning, followed by an "a" sound, an "l" sound, a "s" sound, an "i" sound, and an "uhm" sound. The second part, "nitride," is pronounced with an "n" sound, an "eye" sound, a "t" sound, an "r" sound, an "ai" sound, and a "d" sound. Together, the word refers to a binary compound consisting of calcium and nitrogen.
Calcium nitride is an inorganic chemical compound with the molecular formula Ca3N2. It is composed of calcium (Ca) and nitrogen (N) ions, forming a solid crystalline substance. Calcium nitride has a white to pale yellow color and is highly reactive.
In terms of its chemical properties, calcium nitride is classified as a binary ionic compound. It is produced through the direct combination of calcium and nitrogen under high temperatures. This compound is primarily used as a precursor to obtain other calcium compounds.
Calcium nitride possesses multiple applications in various industries. It serves as an excellent nitrogen source for the production of fertilizers and as a component in metallurgical processes. It is also utilized in the synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds, such as ammonia, which are essential in the production of agricultural fertilizers and industrial chemicals.
Calcium nitride is highly reactive with water, reacting vigorously to produce calcium hydroxide and ammonia gas. This property grants it a role in the development of explosives, as it can release significant amounts of energy when combined with water. However, its reactivity also poses potential hazards, requiring careful handling and storage.
In summary, calcium nitride is an inorganic compound composed of calcium and nitrogen ions. It is used as a nitrogen source for various industrial applications and is highly reactive, particularly when exposed to water.
The word "calcium" comes from the Latin word "calx", which means "lime" or "chalk". It can be traced back to the Greek word "khalix", meaning "small stone" or "pebble". The term "nitride" is derived from "nitrogen", which is a chemical element. The "-ide" suffix is used in chemistry to indicate a binary compound or an ion formed by combining an element with a negative charge. Therefore, the term "calcium nitride" indicates a compound consisting of calcium and nitrogen.