QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
How many valence electrons does a nitrogen atom possess?
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Answer
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Step 1:
Start with understanding the concept of valence electrons: Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom and are involved in the formation of chemical bonds with other atoms.
Step 2:
Recall the periodic table: The periodic table is a table of chemical elements arranged in order of increasing atomic number (number of protons in an atom's nucleus). Elements are presented in groups with similar chemical properties.
Step 3:
Identify the position of nitrogen in the periodic table: Nitrogen is in the 15th group of the periodic table, which corresponds to the p-block elements.
Step 4:
Determine the number of valence electrons for nitrogen: In the periodic table, the main group elements (groups 1, 2, and 13 to 18) have their valence electron configuration determined by the group number. For nitrogen (group 15), the valence electrons are the 5 electrons in the outermost shell (n = 2, denoted as 2s^2 2p^3).
Final Answer
A nitrogen atom possesses 5 valence electrons.
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