Question

For most compounds in which a nitrogen atom bears no formal charge, the valence of this nitrogen atom is

Answer 1

3

Step-by-step explanation:

Hello,

In this case, as nitrogen is not bearing any formal charge, we apply its mathematical definition to find such oxidation state:

Formal charge= # of valence electrons - # of lone-pair electrons - 1/2 # of bond pair electrons

Since no formal charge is born, no lone-pair electrons are formed and 6 bond pair electrons are always present for the nitrogen to complete the octate, the valence turns out into:

# of valence electrons = 0 + 0 + 1/2 * 6

# of valence electrons = 3

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Answer 2

When an atom does not obtain a formal charge, the atom is said to be neutral. In this case, the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. So, we use the knowledge that the atomic number of Nitrogen is 7. So, its electron configuration would be: 1s²2s²2p³. Thus, the valence orbital of a neutral nitrogen atom is the 2p orbital containing 3 valence electrons.