Question

The total number of electrons in a nitrogen atom is 7. Find the number of valence electrons in it.

Answer 1

Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, because its electron configuration is . To determine valence electrons, add the outermost ss and pp orbitals.

Nitrogen is the 7th element, so out of 7 electrons, 2 go to the first shell and 5 to the second. Valence electrons are generally the ones on the outermost shell, though there are some exceptions for elements with many electrons.