None of the statements provided are correct regarding nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). Here’s a breakdown of each option:
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They have the same number of valence electrons. - This is true; both nitrogen and phosphorus have five valence electrons, but this statement is typically misleading in this context since it doesn't differentiate between them.
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They are both classified as halogens. - Incorrect; nitrogen and phosphorus are classified as nonmetals, while halogens are in Group 17 of the periodic table.
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They have the same number of electron shells. - This is incorrect; nitrogen has two electron shells (energy levels), while phosphorus has three.
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They are both inert. - Incorrect; nitrogen gas (N₂) can be relatively inert, but nitrogen and phosphorus are not regarded as inert gases like the noble gases.
Therefore, the statement regarding valence electrons is the closest to being correct although it lacks proper context.
1 answer