Use the periodic table to answer the question.
Which statement about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus
(P) is correct?
(1 point)
They have the same number of electron
shells.
They have the same number of valence
electrons.
They are both inert.
They are both classified as halogens.
The statement about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) that is correct is: 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 answer this question using the periodic table, we need to analyze the electron configuration and valence electrons of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P).
1. Electron shells: Nitrogen (N) has an atomic number of 7, which means it has 7 electrons. These electrons are distributed across two electron shells, with 2 electrons in the first shell and 5 electrons in the second shell. Phosphorus (P), on the other hand, has an atomic number of 15 and its electrons are distributed across three electron shells (2 in the first, 8 in the second, and 5 in the third). Therefore, it is incorrect to say that nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) have the same number of electron shells.
2. Valence electrons: Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom and are involved in bonding. Nitrogen (N) is located in Group 15 of the periodic table, so it has 5 valence electrons (electrons in the 2nd shell). Phosphorus (P), also in Group 15, has 5 valence electrons as well (electrons in the 3rd shell). Therefore, the correct statement is that nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) have the same number of valence electrons.
3. Inertness: Inert elements are those that exhibit low reactivity with other substances. Nitrogen (N) is a relatively inert element, especially as a diatomic molecule (N₂), but phosphorus (P) is more reactive. Therefore, it is incorrect to say that both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are inert.
4. Halogens: The halogens are a specific group of elements (Group 17) in the periodic table that includes elements like fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. Neither nitrogen (N) nor phosphorus (P) belong to the halogen group, so it is incorrect to say that they are both classified as halogens.
In conclusion, the correct statement about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is that they have the same number of valence electrons.