Phosphorus Valence Electrons
Why phosphorus has 5
Phosphorus has 15 electrons, arranged as 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p3. The highest shell is n = 3, holding 3s2 3p3, so 2 + 3 = 5.
Phosphorus is in group 15; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
What that means for bonding
Phosphorus needs 3 more electrons to complete an octet, so it tends to gain 3 (forming P3−) or share 3 in 3 covalent bonds.
Electrons per shell: 2, 8, 5. See the phosphorus electron configuration and orbital diagram or the full phosphorus data sheet.
Same group, same count
Phosphorus valence electrons FAQ
How many valence electrons does phosphorus have?
Phosphorus has 5 valence electrons. Its electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³, and the outermost shell (n = 3) holds 3s² + 3p³.
How do you find the valence electrons of phosphorus?
Phosphorus is in group 15; for groups 13–18 subtract 10 from the group number.
How many bonds does phosphorus form?
Phosphorus needs 3 more electrons to complete an octet, so it tends to gain 3 (forming P3−) or share 3 in 3 covalent bonds.
What is the Lewis dot structure of phosphorus?
The symbol P with 5 dots around it, one per valence electron, placed singly on each side before any side is paired.
How many core electrons does phosphorus have?
10: 15 electrons in total minus the 5 valence electrons.