In general, how many covalent bonds does a nitrogen atom typically form in a stable compound?

• A. 3
• B. 4
• C. 2
• D. 1

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, as it is in group 15 of the periodic table.
2. Understand that nitrogen tends to complete its octet by sharing electrons through covalent bonds.
3. Since nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, it needs 3 more electrons to complete its octet, which it achieves by forming 3 covalent bonds.
4. Recognize that these 3 covalent bonds can be single, double, or a combination, but the total number of bonds formed to satisfy the octet is typically 3.
5. Therefore, in most stable compounds, a nitrogen atom forms 3 covalent bonds to achieve a full octet.