Based on the location of nitrogen (N) on the periodic table, how many additional electrons does a nitrogen atom need in its valence shell to satisfy the octet rule when it forms bonds?

Nitrogen is in group 15 (5A), so a neutral nitrogen atom has 5 valence electrons. An octet means having 8 electrons in the valence shell, so nitrogen needs 8 − 5 = 3 additional electrons. The correct choice is three.

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