How many electrons does Nitrogen require to fill it’s outer shell?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answer:
Nitrogen requires 3 electrons to fill its outer shell.
Explanation:
Nitrogen is a chemical element with the atomic number 7. This means it has 7 protons in its nucleus and, in a neutral atom, 7 electrons surrounding it. Electrons are arranged in energy levels or shells around the nucleus. The first shell holds a maximum of 2 electrons, and the second shell holds up to 8 electrons.
In the case of nitrogen, the first 2 electrons occupy the first shell. The remaining 5 electrons go into the second shell. Since the second shell can hold up to 8 electrons, nitrogen needs 3 more electrons to reach a full outer shell. A full outer shell makes an atom more stable. This stability is what atoms strive for during chemical bonding.
Nitrogen tends to gain, share, or form bonds to achieve a full outer shell of 8 electrons. This concept is based on the octet rule, which states that atoms are generally most stable when they have 8 electrons in their valence (outer) shell.
For example, when nitrogen forms ammonia (NH₃), it shares three electrons with three hydrogen atoms. Each hydrogen atom shares one electron, and in turn, nitrogen shares one of its own with each hydrogen. This results in nitrogen having 8 electrons in its valence shell: 5 of its own and 3 shared with hydrogen. This makes the nitrogen atom stable.
This need for 3 electrons also explains why nitrogen typically forms three covalent bonds in most of its compounds. The number of electrons needed to complete an atom’s outer shell determines its chemical behavior and the types of bonds it can form.
Therefore, nitrogen requires 3 more electrons to fill its outer shell and become stable.
