Multiple Choice
In introductory chemistry, the chemical behavior (reactivity) of an atom is determined primarily by which of the following?
4
views
9. Electrons in Atoms and the Periodic Table
Valence Electrons of Elements (Simplified)
Struggling with Introduction to Chemistry?
Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first videoMultiple Choice
How many valence electrons does a nitrogen atom have?
A
8
B
3
C
7
D
5
Verified step by step guidance1
Recall that valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom that participate in chemical bonding.
Determine the atomic number of nitrogen, which is 7. This means a nitrogen atom has 7 electrons in total.
Write the electron configuration of nitrogen to see how these 7 electrons are distributed among the shells: \$1s^2 2s^2 2p^3$.
Identify the outermost shell, which is the second shell (n=2) containing the \$2s\( and \)2p$ orbitals.
Count the electrons in the outermost shell: \$2\( electrons in \)2s\( and \)3\( electrons in \)2p\(, totaling \)5$ valence electrons.
1:55mWatch next
Master Valence Electrons of Elements (Simplified) Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice
Valence Electrons of Elements (Simplified) practice set
Problem sets built by lead tutorsExpert video explanations