(b) How many valence electrons does a nitrogen atom possess?

Verified step by step guidance

1. insert step 1> Determine the atomic number of nitrogen from the periodic table.
2. insert step 2> Recognize that the atomic number of nitrogen is 7, which means it has 7 electrons in total.
3. insert step 3> Understand that the electron configuration of nitrogen is 1s^2 2s^2 2p^3.
4. insert step 4> Identify the valence electrons, which are the electrons in the outermost shell. For nitrogen, these are the electrons in the 2s and 2p orbitals.
5. insert step 5> Count the valence electrons: 2 electrons from the 2s orbital and 3 electrons from the 2p orbital, totaling 5 valence electrons.

Key Concepts

Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial for determining how an atom interacts with others. They are involved in forming chemical bonds and influence the chemical properties of an element. The number of valence electrons can often be determined by an element's position in the periodic table.

Periodic Table

The periodic table organizes elements based on their atomic number and electron configuration. Elements in the same group (column) typically have the same number of valence electrons, which helps predict their chemical behavior. For nitrogen, which is in group 15, this organization aids in identifying its valence electrons.

Nitrogen Atom

A nitrogen atom has an atomic number of 7, meaning it has 7 protons and, in a neutral state, 7 electrons. The electron configuration of nitrogen is 1s² 2s² 2p³, indicating that it has 5 valence electrons in the second shell. Understanding the structure of nitrogen is essential for determining its reactivity and bonding capabilities.