How many covalent bonds does a nitrogen atom typically form in a molecule?

• A. 3
• B. 2
• C. 4
• D. 1

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that nitrogen has 5 valence electrons because it is in group 15 of the periodic table.
2. Understand that nitrogen tends to form covalent bonds to complete its octet, aiming for 8 electrons in its valence shell.
3. Since nitrogen already has 5 valence electrons, it needs 3 more electrons to reach 8, which it achieves by forming 3 covalent bonds.
4. Recognize that each covalent bond involves sharing one pair of electrons between nitrogen and another atom.
5. Therefore, the typical number of covalent bonds formed by a nitrogen atom in a molecule is 3.