Question

Based on its location in the periodic table, what can most likely be predicted about phosphorus?
It has three valence electrons available for bonding.
It has three nonbonding electrons.
It has five valence electrons available for bonding.
It has five nonbonding electrons.

Answer 1

it has five valance electrons for bonding

Answer 2

Answer: It has five valence electrons available for bonding.

Explanation:

Phosphorus is a member of group 15 and third period with atomic number 15.

From its electronic configuration we can easily tell that there are five valence electrons present in the 3-s and 3-p orbitals.

$[P]=1s^22^2s2p^63s^23p^3$

Hence, these five electron are available for bonding.