How many valence electrons does a nitrogen atom have?

• A. 2
• B. 7
• C. 3
• D. 5

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
2. Identify the atomic number of nitrogen, which is 7, meaning it has 7 electrons in total.
3. Determine the electron configuration of nitrogen: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^3$.
4. Recognize that the first shell (1s) is full with 2 electrons and the valence electrons are those in the second shell (2s and 2p orbitals).
5. Count the electrons in the second shell: \$2s^2\( (2 electrons) plus \)2p^3$ (3 electrons), totaling 5 valence electrons.