* Electronic Configuration: Nitrogen has an electronic configuration of 1s²2s²2p³. It has 5 valence electrons (in the 2s and 2p orbitals) that can participate in bonding.
* Formation of Bonds: Nitrogen can form covalent bonds by sharing its valence electrons with other atoms.
* Examples:
* In ammonia (NH₃), nitrogen forms three single bonds with three hydrogen atoms, and a lone pair of electrons.
* In nitric acid (HNO₃), nitrogen forms four bonds: one single bond with a hydroxyl group (OH), one double bond with an oxygen atom, and one coordinate covalent bond with another oxygen atom.
Why the misconception?
The misconception that nitrogen is trivalent likely arises from the fact that it frequently forms three bonds, like in ammonia. However, this doesn't mean it cannot form more than three bonds.
Key takeaway: Nitrogen is capable of forming up to five bonds, making it pentavalent, not trivalent.
