Here's why:

* Electron Configuration: Nitrogen's electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p³.

* Valence Shell: The valence electrons are those in the outermost shell, which in this case is the second shell (2s² 2p³).

* Total Valence Electrons: The 2s² subshell contributes 2 electrons, and the 2p³ subshell contributes 3 electrons, for a total of 5 valence electrons.