Use the periodic table to answer the question.%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0A%0D%0AWhich statement about nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) is correct?%0D%0A%0D%0A(1 point)%0D%0AResponses%0D%0A%0D%0AThey have the same number of electron shells.%0D%0AThey have the same number of electron shells.%0D%0A%0D%0AThey are both inert.%0D%0AThey are both inert.%0D%0A%0D%0AThey are both classified as halogens.%0D%0AThey are both classified as halogens.%0D%0A%0D%0AThey have the same number of valence electrons.

Answer 1

To answer the question regarding nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), let's analyze the provided statements one by one:

1. They have the same number of electron shells.

   • Nitrogen (N) has 2 electron shells (1s² 2s² 2p³), while phosphorus (P) has 3 electron shells (1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³). This statement is incorrect.

2. They are both inert.

   • Inert gases are those in Group 18 of the periodic table (noble gases), such as helium, neon, argon, etc. Nitrogen and phosphorus are not inert; they are reactive nonmetals. This statement is incorrect.

3. They are both classified as halogens.

   • Halogens are found in Group 17 of the periodic table, which includes elements like fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, and astatine. Nitrogen and phosphorus are in Group 15. This statement is incorrect.

4. They have the same number of valence electrons.

   • Nitrogen has 5 valence electrons (2s² 2p³), and phosphorus has 5 valence electrons (3s² 3p³) as well. This statement is correct.

Therefore, the correct statement is:

They have the same number of valence electrons.