QuestionMay 4, 2025

How many electrons are in the outermost shell of an atom of phosphorus (P) Use the periodic table. 3 5 15 30.974

How many electrons are in the outermost shell of an atom of phosphorus (P) Use the periodic table. 3 5 15 30.974
How many electrons are in the outermost shell of an atom of phosphorus (P)
Use the periodic table.
3
5
15
30.974

Solution
4.5(388 votes)

Answer

5 Explanation 1. Determine the atomic number of phosphorus Phosphorus (P) has an atomic number of 15, meaning it has 15 electrons. 2. Distribute electrons into shells Electron configuration for P: 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^3. The outermost shell is n=3, containing 3s^2 and 3p^3. 3. Count electrons in the outermost shell Outer shell (n=3) has 2 + 3 = 5 electrons.

Explanation

1. Determine the atomic number of phosphorus<br /> Phosphorus $(P)$ has an atomic number of $15$, meaning it has $15$ electrons.<br /><br />2. Distribute electrons into shells<br /> Electron configuration for $P$: $1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^3$. The outermost shell is $n=3$, containing $3s^2$ and $3p^3$.<br /><br />3. Count electrons in the outermost shell<br /> Outer shell ($n=3$) has $2 + 3 = 5$ electrons.
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