N3 refers to the azide ion, which is a polyatomic ion consisting of three nitrogen atoms. To determine the number of protons and electrons in N3, we first have to understand its composition.
Each nitrogen atom has 7 protons in its nucleus, so in three nitrogen atoms, there are a total of 21 protons. However, N3 typically exists as a negatively charged ion (N3–), meaning it has gained an extra electron. Thus, the total number of electrons in N3 becomes 22 (21 from the nitrogen atoms plus 1 extra electron).
In summary, N3 has 21 protons and 22 electrons.