Multiple Choice
How many valence electrons does an atom of boron (B) possess?
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10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
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For a nitrogen atom (atomic number 7), how many electrons are present in its outermost shell?
A
8
B
2
C
7
D
5
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the atomic number of nitrogen, which is 7. This number tells us the total number of electrons in a neutral nitrogen atom.
Recall that electrons are arranged in shells around the nucleus, with the first shell holding up to 2 electrons and the second shell holding up to 8 electrons.
Fill the first shell with 2 electrons since it is the closest to the nucleus and can hold a maximum of 2 electrons.
Subtract the 2 electrons in the first shell from the total 7 electrons to find how many electrons remain for the outermost shell: $7 - 2 = 5$.
Conclude that the outermost shell (the second shell) contains 5 electrons for a nitrogen atom.
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