How many valence electrons does a nitrogen (N) atom have?

• A. 3
• B. 2
• C. 7
• D. 5

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is nitrogen (N).
2. Determine the atomic number of nitrogen, which is 7, meaning it has 7 electrons in total.
3. Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom.
4. Write the electron configuration of nitrogen: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^3$.
5. Count the electrons in the outermost shell (the second shell here), which are \$2s^2\( and \)2p^3$, totaling 5 valence electrons.