Can you explain the formation of an ionic compound from barium and nitrogen?

The reaction of barium and nitrogen will result in the formation of barium nitride.

Here is the reaction...

##3Ba(s) + N_2(g) -> Ba_3N_2(s)##

The barium atoms will lose 2 electrons and form ions with a +2 charge. The nitrogen atoms gain three electrons forming ions with a -3 charge.

The compound must form with a 3:2 ratio to produce a compound which is electrically neutral (no overall charge).

##Ba^(2+)Ba^(2+)Ba^(2+)N^(3-)N^(3-)##

This video illustrates the transfer of electrons that takes place in reactions that form ionic compounds.

Hope this helps!