How many valence electrons are present in a neutral atom of nitrogen?

• A. 5
• B. 2
• C. 7
• D. 3

Answer: (A)

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. This means a neutral nitrogen atom has 7 electrons.
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$.
5. Count the electrons in the outermost shell (the second shell): \$2s^2$ and \$2p^3$ add up to 5 valence electrons.