Answer:
3 electrons
Step-by-step explanation:
The elements have 4 possible energy levels to hold the electrons.
1st energy level holds up to 2 electrons.
2nd energy level holds up to 8 electrons.
3rd energy level holds up to 18 electrons.
4th energy level holds up to 32 electrons.
For an electron to be in a higher energy level, previous level must be completed.
Keeping this in mind, if an element has 5 electrons, 1st level takes away 2, so there are 3 electrons left to be in 2nd energy level.
Have a nice day.