[Campbell Biology P.108] According to Figure 4.4, which element has a valence of 3, and what... | Practice Question

According to Figure 4.4, which element has a valence of 3, and what does this generally imply about its bonding?

  • A: Carbon; it typically forms 4 covalent bonds.
  • B: Nitrogen; it typically forms 3 covalent bonds.
  • C: Oxygen; it typically forms 2 covalent bonds.
  • D: Hydrogen; it typically forms 1 covalent bond.

Explanation

Figure 4.4 explicitly lists Nitrogen with "Number of electrons needed to fill the valence shell" as 3, and "Valence: Number of bonds the element can form" as 3. This matches the definition of valence provided in the text.