How many valence electrons does an atom of nitrogen have?

• A. 2
• B. 5
• C. 7
• D. 3

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the element in question, which is nitrogen (N).
2. Recall that the number of valence electrons corresponds to the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom.
3. Determine the electron configuration of nitrogen: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^3$.
4. Focus on the electrons in the second shell (the outermost shell for nitrogen), which includes the \$2s\( and \)2p$ orbitals.
5. Count the electrons in the \$2s\( and \)2p\( orbitals: \)2 + 3 = 5$ valence electrons.