Question

Two representative elements, nitrogen and oxygen, are in the same period of the periodic table. Which statement correctly describes the atoms of the two elements? Responses They have the same number of electrons. They have the same number of electrons. - no response given They have valence electrons in the same energy level. They have valence electrons in the same energy level. - no response given They have the same number of valence electrons. They have the same number of valence electrons. - no response given They have valence electrons in different energy levels. They have valence electrons in different energy levels. - no response given

Answer 1

To clarify the relationship between nitrogen and oxygen in the periodic table: both elements are located in the same period (period 2), but they have different atomic numbers.

• Nitrogen has 7 electrons (atomic number 7), while oxygen has 8 electrons (atomic number 8). Therefore, they do not have the same number of electrons.

• Both elements have their valence electrons in the same energy level (the second energy level), which means this statement is true.

• Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons, and oxygen has 6 valence electrons, meaning they do not have the same number of valence electrons.

• Since both are in period 2, they do not have valence electrons in different energy levels.

Thus, the correct statement is: They have valence electrons in the same energy level.