Which statement about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is correct?
(1 point)
Responses
They are both inert.
They are both inert.
They are both classified as halogens.
They are both classified as halogens.
They have the same number of electron shells.
They have the same number of electron shells.
They have the same number of valence electrons.
They have the same number of valence electrons.
The correct statement about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is that they have the same number of valence electrons.
To determine which statement about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is correct, we need to analyze each option.
Option 1: "They are both inert." - To determine if this statement is correct, we need to know if nitrogen and phosphorus are inert elements. To do this, we can look at the periodic table or use other reliable resources. Upon checking, we find that nitrogen is not considered inert, as it forms various compounds such as ammonia and nitrate. Phosphorus, on the other hand, can exhibit both inert properties as elemental white phosphorus and reactive properties when combined with other elements. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Option 2: "They are both classified as halogens." - Again, we need to verify if nitrogen and phosphorus are classified as halogens. By referring to the periodic table or reliable sources, we find that nitrogen and phosphorus are not classified as halogens. Halogens on the periodic table include elements like fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. Therefore, this statement is incorrect as well.
Option 3: "They have the same number of electron shells." - The number of electron shells in an atom is determined by its position in the periodic table. Nitrogen, with an atomic number of 7, has two electron shells (K and L shells), while phosphorus, with an atomic number of 15, has three electron shells (K, L, and M shells). Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
Option 4: "They have the same number of valence electrons." - To determine if this statement is correct, we need to check the number of valence electrons in nitrogen and phosphorus. Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, located in its second outermost shell (2s^22p^3). Phosphorus, being in Group 15 of the periodic table, also has 5 valence electrons (2s^22p^3). Therefore, this statement is correct.
In conclusion, the correct statement about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is: "They have the same number of valence electrons."