The electron configuration of nitrogen (N) is?
A. 1s22s22p3
B. 1s22s22p4
C. 1s22s22p5
D. 1s22s22p6
Answer: A. 1s22s22p3
Nitrogen is an element with an atomic number of 7, which is the sum of the number of protons and electrons the atom contains, 7 in its nucleus and again, 7 distributed throughout its electronic shells. Electrons are grouped in the energy levels and sublevels which show the electron configuration. The configuration of the nitrogen is shaped by the Aufbau principle, which governs the sequence of occupied energy levels starting with the lowest first. The 1s orbital holds 2 electrons, the 2s orbital holds 2 electrons, and the rest of 3 electrons belongs to 2p subshell, hence the electron configuration is derived to be 1s^2 2s^2 2p^3. This structurally complex configuration sets the stage for chemical interrelationships between nitrogen and electrons, leading to their characteristics and behavior.