To determine the correct chemical formula for trisilicon tetranitride, we need to break down the name into its components:
1. Trisilicon: The prefix "tri-" means three. Therefore, "trisilicon" indicates that there are three silicon (Si) atoms in the compound.
2. Tetranitride: The prefix "tetra-" means four. Therefore, "tetranitride" indicates that there are four nitrogen (N) atoms in the compound.
Combining these two parts, the chemical formula must have three silicon atoms and four nitrogen atoms.
So, the correct chemical formula is [tex]\( Si_3N_4 \)[/tex].
Thus, the correct answer is:
A. [tex]\( Si_3N_4 \)[/tex]