3D Bohr-model representation of the Phosphorus atom (symbol P, atomic number Z=15). Electron shell configuration: 2, 8, 5 electrons.
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Bohr model · educational
Bohr model of phosphorus
Phosphorus (P) has 15 electrons, spread over 3 shells. The diagram places them on circles around the nucleus, from the K shell — the closest — outward.
| Shell | Electrons |
|---|---|
| K (n = 1) | 2 |
| L (n = 2) | 8 |
| M (n = 3) | 5 |
The Bohr model is a teaching picture: electrons do not travel in circular orbits, but the number of electrons per shell is exact.
Related lesson
Molecular geometry (VSEPR)
Predicting molecular shape from the central atom's electron pairs. Linear, trigonal planar, tetrahedral, etc.
11 minElectron configuration
Full1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p³
Short[Ne] 3s² 3p³
Valence electrons5
KLMNOPQ shells
K2
L8
M5
Electronegativity
Pauling2.19
Allen2.253
Mulliken (eV)—
Atomic radii
Empirical100 pm
Calculated98 pm
Covalent107 pm
Van der Waals180 pm
Ionic radii (Shannon-Prewitt)
-3212 pm
Successive ionisation energies
I₁1011.8 kJ/mol
I₂1907 kJ/mol
I₃2914.1 kJ/mol
I₄4963.6 kJ/mol
I₅6273.9 kJ/mol
Electron affinity72 kJ/mol
Oxidation states
-3-2-10+1+2+3+4+5
Bold states = most common.
Warm-up
Phosphorus — do you remember?
3 questions on this page. The right answer shows every time, and nothing is asked of you to play.
No account · one minute