Question

how many electrons will nitrogen need to gain or lose in order to have a full outer shell of 8 electrons? * 2 points

Explanation:

Step1: Determine nitrogen's outer - shell electrons

Nitrogen has 5 outer - shell electrons.

Step2: Calculate electrons needed for octet

To have a full outer shell of 8 electrons, we subtract the number of existing outer - shell electrons from 8. So, \(8 - 5=3\). Nitrogen needs to gain electrons to reach an octet.

Answer:

C. gain 3