How many electrons does phosphorus have in its valence shell?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5

Question

How many electrons does phosphorus have in its valence shell?

A. 1
B. 2
C. 3
D. 4
E. 5

CramX · Accepted Answer

Step 1: : Understand the problem. We need to find out how many electrons are in the valence shell of a phosphorus atom. The valence shell is the outermost shell of an atom, and it contains the electrons involved in chemical bonding. Step 2: : Recall the atomic structure of phosphorus. Phosphorus is the 15th element in the periodic table, and its atomic number is 15. This means that a neutral phosphorus atom has 15 electrons. Step 3: : Determine the electron configuration of phosphorus. The electron configuration of phosphorus is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³. This means that the first energy level has 2 electrons, the second energy level has 8 electrons, and the third energy level has 5 electrons. Step 4: : Identify the valence electrons. The valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell, which is the third energy level in this case. There are 5 electrons in the third energy level (3s² 3p³). Step 5: : Select the correct answer. Since there are 5 electrons in the valence shell of a phosphorus atom, the correct answer is E. 5. Final Answer: Phosphorus has 5 electrons in its valence shell.

Q
QuestionAnatomy and Physiology

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Full Solution Locked

Step 1:
: Understand the problem

Step 2:
: Recall the atomic structure of phosphorus

Step 3:
: Determine the electron configuration of phosphorus

Final Answer

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