Question

How many valence electrons do the following atoms have?

1. Boron 2. nitrogen 3. oxygen 4. Fluorine

Short answer

Boron, nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine have 3, 5, 6, and 7 valence electrons respectively.

Step-by-step solution

Definition of valence electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons present in the last shell of an atom that participates in the bond formation.

Calculating the valence electrons of the respective element

Boron-Atomic Number is 5

The electronic configurationis2, 3.

Hence, the valence electrons are 3.

Nitrogen-Atomic Number is 7

The electronic configurationis2, 5.

Hence, the valence electrons are 5.

Oxygen-Atomic Number is 8

The electronic configurationis2, 6.

Hence, the valence electrons are 6.

Fluorine-Atomic Number is 9

The electronic configurationis2, 7.

Hence, the valence electrons are 7.