The Nitrogen Atom Has a Total of Seven Electrons

Question

The nitrogen atom has a total of seven electrons.To have a full outer energy level,it would have to
A) add one electron
B) lose one electron
C) add three electrons
D) lose two electrons

Accepted Answer

Nitrogen is in group 15 of the periodic table, meaning it has five valence electrons in its outermost energy level. To achieve a full outer energy level, it would need a total of eight electrons, so it would need to add three electrons through either sharing or gaining them. Therefore, the best choice is option C.