Number Of Valence Electrons In Phosphorus

How many valence electrons are in an atom of phosphorus? Phosphorus is an element which is part of Group 15A neutral Phosphorus Atom has five valence electrons. These are contained in the third energy level of the atom. Due to the number of valence electrons, Phosphorus is capable of forming three bonds with other elements. Diagram of the nuclear composition and electron configuration of an atom of phosphorus-31 (atomic number: 15), the most common isotope of this element. The nucleus consists of 15 protons (red) and 16 neutrons (blue). 15 electrons (green) bind to the nucleus, successively occupying available electron shells (rings).

Answer: A neutral Phosphorus Atom has five valence electrons. These are contained in the third energy level of the atom.

The Phosphorus Element as it would be represented on a modern periodic table. Source

Phosphorus is an element which is part of Group 15 (formally known as the Pnictogen group) and is directly below the nitrogen atom. As was mentioned before, a neutral Phosphorus Atom contains five valence electrons in the third shell. You can see a Bohr Model of Phosphorus below this paragraph. It also supports the original answer of five valence electrons.

Bohr Model of a Phosphorus Atom.

Due to the number of valence electrons, Phosphorus is capable of forming three bonds with other elements. Yet since it has a third-energy level, it can form more than three bonds if it is favorable to do so. Phosphorus tends to form an anion even though it has a low electronegativity. Due to its high reactivity, phosphorus is never found a pure element on earth.

Electron Configuration of Phosphorus with a Lewis Diagram on the side as well. Source

The Valence Electrons are found in different types of orbitals. Two are in the s-orbital (a circular orbital) while the other 3 are in p-orbitals (bell-shaped orbitals). There are a total of 4 orbitals in the valence shell to minimize electron-electron repulsion. Since their is less electron-electron repulsion, this formation is actually more stable than one with an extra electron. Therefore Phosphorus has a higher ionization than its Group-16 (Chalcogen) neighbors Sulfur.

Phosphorus as it moves in a biochemical process. Source

Phosphorus is necessary for some functions in life and is an essential component of fertile soil. It moves as a compound (not as a pure element) through what is called the Phosphorus cycle from the soil to plants and then back into the air before returning to the soil. Phosphorus is also essential component of matches. It was discovered in 1669 by Hening Brand.
Sources:
http://thechemistryguru.com/phosphorus/

How many valence electrons does phosphorus have?

1 Answer

Explanation:

There are two ways to find out. Either you take a look at your periodic table and look at which group number #P# belongs (this can be seen on upper portion) or you can draw the electron configuration of #P# atom based on its atomic number (which is 15).

Total Number Of Valence Electrons In Phosphorus

According to the periodic table above, phosphorus belongs to Group 5A. Therefore, Its valence electrons should be 5.

Let's check using the electron configuration:

#1s^2##2s^2##2p^6##3s^2##3p^3# = 15 electrons = atomic number of #P#

Phosphorus Element Valence Electrons

Download ess others driver. The outermost orbitals, #3s^2##3p^3#, contains 5 electrons.

Number Of Valence Electrons List

Thus, valence electrons for #P# is 5.