How many valence electrons are in a nitrogen (N) atom?

• A. 3
• B. 7
• C. 8
• D. 5

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number of nitrogen (N), which is 7. This means nitrogen has 7 electrons in total.
2. Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom.
3. Determine the electron configuration of nitrogen: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^3$.
4. Recognize that the first shell (1s) is the inner shell and the second shell (2s and 2p) is the outermost shell for nitrogen.
5. Count the electrons in the outermost shell: \$2s^2$ has 2 electrons and \$2p^3$ has 3 electrons, so total valence electrons = 2 + 3 = 5.