Nitrogen Electron Configuration
Nitrogen (N) · 7 electrons · Reactive nonmetal
1s2 2s2 2p3
Noble gas notation: [He] 2s2 2p3
Orbital diagram
↑↓
1s↑↓
2s↑↑↑
2p- Valence electrons
- 5
- Unpaired electrons
- 3
- Block
- p-block
- Magnetism (atom)
- paramagnetic
Electrons per shell
| K (n = 1) | 2 |
|---|---|
| L (n = 2) | 5 |
Nitrogen ion configurations
| Ion | Electrons | Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| N3− | 10 | [He] 2s2 2p6 |
How to write it
Place 7 electrons into subshells in the Aufbau order (1s, 2s, 2p, 3s, 3p, 4s, 3d, 4p, 5s, 4d, 5p, 6s, 4f, 5d, 6p, 7s, 5f, 6d, 7p), filling s with 2, p with 6, d with 10 and f with 14. Nitrogen sits in period 2, group 15, in the p-block, so its last electron enters a p subshell. Replacing the inner electrons with the previous noble gas gives the shorthand [He] 2s2 2p3.
Try nitrogen and its ions in the calculator, or see the full nitrogen data sheet.
Nitrogen electron configuration FAQ
What is the electron configuration of nitrogen?
1s² 2s² 2p³. Shorthand (noble gas) notation: [He] 2s² 2p³.
What is the noble gas configuration of nitrogen?
[He] 2s² 2p³. The bracket stands for the He core electrons.
How many valence electrons does nitrogen have?
5 (outer shell (n = 2)).
How many unpaired electrons does nitrogen have?
3 in the ground state, following Hund’s rule. An atom with unpaired electrons is paramagnetic.
What is the electron configuration of N3−?
[He] 2s² 2p⁶ (10 electrons).