Which statement about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is correct?

Question

The Periodic Table of Elements is shown.

They are both inert.
They have the same number of valence electrons.
They are both classified as halogens.
They have the same number of electron shells.

Answer 1

To assess the statements about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P):

1. They are both inert. - This statement is incorrect. Nitrogen and phosphorus are not inert elements; they can react with other elements.

2. They have the same number of valence electrons. - This statement is correct. Both nitrogen and phosphorus are in Group 15 of the Periodic Table, meaning they both have 5 valence electrons.

3. They are both classified as halogens. - This statement is incorrect. Nitrogen and phosphorus are not halogens; they are classified as nonmetals.

4. They have the same number of electron shells. - This statement is incorrect. Nitrogen has 2 electron shells (energy levels) while phosphorus has 3 electron shells.

Therefore, the correct statement is: They have the same number of valence electrons.