The correct response is:
They have the same number of valence electrons.
Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons, while phosphorus (P) also has 5 valence electrons, as they are both in group 15 of the periodic table.
The other statements are incorrect:
- Nitrogen and phosphorus do not have the same number of electron shells; nitrogen has 2 electron shells, while phosphorus has 3.
- They are not classified as halogens; halogens are in group 17 of the periodic table.
- They are not both inert; nitrogen can react under certain conditions, and phosphorus is not inert either.
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