How many valence electrons does phosphorus have?

Answer:

Phosphorus has five valence electrons.

Explanation:

To find out the number of valence electrons in a phosphorus atom,we need to look at the periodic table.

The position of phosphorus in the periodic table  is in group VA.For main group elements,valence electrons are equal to the group number.So,phosphorus atom has five valence electrons in its valence shell.

Phosphorus is an element of group 15.Now just consider the unit place digit from group number.You are getting 5 which is equal to the number of valence electrons in phosphorus.

Here is the another way to find out the valence electrons of phosphorus.

The symbol of phosphorus is P and the atomic number of phosphorus is 15.So,it has fifteen electrons totally.

Now do the electronic configuration of phosphorus.

P(15) =1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p3

             =[Ne] 3s2 3p3

The valence shell is the outermost shell and the electrons that are present in valence shell is called valence electrons.

The valence shell or energy level can be identified by the highest value of principal quantum number ,n.Here the highest value of n is 3.So,the valence shell is the 3rd shell.

In 3rd shell ,we get five valence electrons.So each phosphorus has five valence electrons.

Next.                     Previous