What is the maximum number of unpaired electrons in a nitrogen atom?

What is the maximum number of unpaired electrons in a nitrogen atom?

Step 1: Understand that electrons are arranged in energy levels or shells around the nucleus of an atom.
Step 2: Know that nitrogen has an atomic number of 7, which means it has 7 electrons.
Step 3: Electrons fill the energy levels in a specific order: first the 1s level, then the 2s level, and finally the 2p level.
Step 4: Fill the 1s level with 2 electrons (1s2).
Step 5: Fill the 2s level with 2 electrons (2s2).
Step 6: Now, we have 3 electrons left to place in the 2p level (2p3).
Step 7: According to Hund's rule, each of the three 2p orbitals will get one electron before any orbital gets a second electron.
Step 8: Therefore, all three electrons in the 2p level are unpaired.
Step 9: Conclude that the maximum number of unpaired electrons in a nitrogen atom is 3.

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