Nitrogen Valence Electrons
Why nitrogen has 5
Nitrogen has 7 electrons, arranged as 1s2 2s2 2p3. The highest shell is n = 2, holding 2s2 2p3, so 2 + 3 = 5.
Nitrogen is in group 15; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
What that means for bonding
Nitrogen needs 3 more electrons to complete an octet, so it tends to gain 3 (forming N3−) or share 3 in 3 covalent bonds.
Electrons per shell: 2, 5. See the nitrogen electron configuration and orbital diagram or the full nitrogen data sheet.
Same group, same count
Nitrogen valence electrons FAQ
How many valence electrons does nitrogen have?
Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p³, and the outermost shell (n = 2) holds 2s² + 2p³.
How do you find the valence electrons of nitrogen?
Nitrogen is in group 15; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
How many bonds does nitrogen form?
Nitrogen needs 3 more electrons to complete an octet, so it tends to gain 3 (forming N3−) or share 3 in 3 covalent bonds.
What is the Lewis dot structure of nitrogen?
The symbol N with 5 dots around it, one per valence electron, placed singly on each side before any side is paired.
How many core electrons does nitrogen have?
2: 7 electrons in total minus the 5 valence electrons.