Both nitrogen & phosphorus are able to attract 3 more electrons to their outer shells because:?

Question

a) these electrons are able to pair with unpaired valence electrons
b) the nuclear charge attracts them
c) there are 3 more spaces available in their outermost shells
d) all of the above

Answer 1

d. Each has an outer shell with the general format ns2 np3, which has 3 empty spaces, all of which already have unpaired electrons in those orbitals, and the nuclear charge is sufficiently high to attract electrons.

Answer 2

Nitrogen does follow the octet rule. in spite of the undeniable fact that phosphorus has the potential to achieve more beneficial than 3 electrons in its outer shell because of its tremendous length and the hybridization of a d orbital. Examples PF5, PF6-, PCl5...

Answer 3

all of the above