QQuestionChemistry
QuestionChemistry
How many valence electrons does nitrogen need to be stable?
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Answer
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Step 1:I'll solve this problem step by step, following the specified LaTeX formatting guidelines:
Step 2:: Understand Valence Electrons
Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that participate in chemical bonding. For an atom to be stable, it typically needs to achieve a full outer shell.
Step 3:: Determine Nitrogen's Electron Configuration
Nitrogen's atomic number is 7, so its electron configuration is $$1s^{2} 2s^{2} 2p^{3}
Step 4:: Count Current Valence Electrons
Nitrogen has $$5$$ valence electrons in its outer shell ($$2s^{2} 2p^{3}$$)
Step 5:: Determine Stable Electron Configuration
For main group elements, the goal is to achieve an octet (8 electrons) in the outer shell.
Step 6:: Calculate Needed Electrons
Electrons needed = $$8 - 5 = 3$$ electrons
Final Answer
Nitrogen needs 3 valence electrons to be stable and complete its outer shell.
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