What is "a nitride ion has 7 protons?

A nitride ion does not have 7 protons. The number of protons defines the element. An atom with 7 protons is a nitrogen atom (N).

• Nitride ion: A nitride ion is a nitrogen atom that has gained 3 electrons, giving it a -3 charge (N^3-).
• Number of Protons: The number of protons remains the same (7) even when it forms an ion. Changing the number of protons changes the element itself.
• Number of Electrons: A neutral nitrogen atom has 7 electrons. The nitride ion (N^3-) has 10 electrons (7 + 3).
• Charge: The negative charge indicates that the nitride ion has more electrons than protons.