Question & Answer » Chemistry Questions » How many Valence Electrons are in an Atom of Phosphorus

How many Valence Electrons are in an Atom of Phosphorus

Answer:

Phosphorus is a neutral element that belongs to Group 15A. The valence electrons in the phosphorus atom are five. 

These can be found at the atom’s third energy level. Phosphorus may create three bonds with other elements due to its large amount of valence electrons. 

Valence electrons can be found in a variety of orbitals. Two are in s-orbitals (circular orbitals), while the other three are in p-orbitals (perpendicular orbitals) (bell-shaped orbitals). The valence shell has a total of four orbitals to reduce electron-electron repulsion.

Note: Phosphorus is a chemical element with atomic number 15 and the symbol P. Phosphorus exists in two major forms: white phosphorus and red phosphorus; however, because of its great reactivity, it is never found as a free element on Earth.