Answer:
An atom of Phosphorus has 15 protons and usually 16 or 17 neutrons in its nucleus, depending on the specific isotope. It has 15 electrons that orbit the nucleus in shells or energy levels, with two electrons in the innermost shell and five electrons in each of the outer shells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electronic configuration of a Phosphorus atom is 1s²2s²2p⁶3s²3p³.
The outermost shell of Phosphorus atoms has three electrons that are available for chemical bonding, making it a highly reactive element. Phosphorus is a non-metal and is found in Group 15 (or 5A) of the periodic table, which makes it part of the Nitrogen family. It is an essential element for life as it is a key component of DNA, RNA, and ATP.