Question

relative electronegativity quick check 1 of 5 use the periodic table to answer the question. how would the electron configuration of nitrogen change to make a stable configuration? (1 point) it would gain three electrons. it would lose four electrons. it would lose five electrons. it would gain two electrons.

Explanation:

Step1: Determine nitrogen's valence electrons

Nitrogen (N) has an atomic number of 7. Its electron configuration is \(1s^{2}2s^{2}2p^{3}\). The valence shell (second shell) has 5 electrons (\(2s^{2}2p^{3}\)).

Step2: Recall the octet rule

Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full - valence - shell (8 electrons in the outermost shell, except for some small atoms like H).

Step3: Calculate the number of electrons to gain

To achieve an octet in the second shell (which can hold up to 8 electrons), nitrogen needs \(8 - 5=3\) more electrons. So it would gain three electrons.

Answer:

It would gain three electrons.