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

(1 point)
Responses

They have the same number of valence electrons.
They have the same number of valence electrons.

They are both classified as halogens.
They are both classified as halogens.

They are both inert.
They are both inert.

They have the same number of electron shells.

1 answer

The correct statement among the options provided is:

They have the same number of valence electrons.

Both nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) belong to Group 15 (or Group VA) of the periodic table, and they each have 5 valence electrons. The other statements are incorrect:

  • They are not classified as halogens; halogens are found in Group 17 of the periodic table.
  • They are not inert; nitrogen, for example, can react under certain conditions, and phosphorus is quite reactive.
  • They do not have the same number of electron shells; nitrogen has 2 electron shells, while phosphorus has 3.