Multiple Choice
For the element arsenic (As), how many electron shells are completely filled in its ground state electron configuration?
93
views
10. Periodic Properties of the Elements
Valence Electrons of Elements
Multiple Choice
What happens when a nitrogen atom fills its valence shell?
A
It becomes highly reactive and forms more bonds.
B
It achieves a stable octet configuration and becomes chemically inert.
C
It loses all its electrons and becomes a cation.
D
It gains a positive charge and acts as an oxidizing agent.
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand that a nitrogen atom has 5 valence electrons in its outer shell.
Recall the octet rule, which states that atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full valence shell of 8 electrons, leading to greater stability.
When nitrogen fills its valence shell by gaining 3 electrons (or sharing electrons through bonding), it achieves a stable octet configuration.
Achieving this stable octet makes the nitrogen atom chemically inert or less reactive because it has a full outer shell.
Therefore, the correct interpretation is that when nitrogen fills its valence shell, it attains stability and becomes chemically inert, rather than becoming reactive or charged.
Related Videos
Related Practice
