How many inner core and valence electrons does the nitrogen atom possess?

• A. inner core = 4; valence = 3
• B. inner core = 2; valence = 3
• C. inner core = 2; valence = 5
• D. inner core = 4; valence = 5

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atomic number of nitrogen, which is 7. This tells us that a neutral nitrogen atom has 7 electrons.
2. Determine the electron configuration of nitrogen. The electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p³.
3. Understand that inner core electrons are those in the filled inner shells. For nitrogen, the 1s² electrons are the inner core electrons.
4. Calculate the number of inner core electrons. In the 1s orbital, there are 2 electrons, so nitrogen has 2 inner core electrons.
5. Determine the number of valence electrons. Valence electrons are those in the outermost shell, which for nitrogen are in the 2s and 2p orbitals. Add the electrons in these orbitals: 2s² (2 electrons) + 2p³ (3 electrons) = 5 valence electrons.