Answer: A neutral Phosphorus Atom has five valence electrons. These are had in the third energy level the the atom.

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The Phosphorus facet as it would certainly be represented on a contemporary periodic table. Source
Phosphorus is an facet which is part of group 15 (formally recognized as the Pnictogen group) and is directly listed below the nitrogen atom. As was pointed out before, a neutral Phosphorus Atom has five valence electrons in the 3rd shell. You can see a Bohr model of Phosphorus below this paragraph. It also supports the initial answer of 5 valence electrons.
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Bohr model of a Phosphorus Atom.

Due to the number of valence electrons, Phosphorus is qualified of developing three bonds with various other elements. Yet due to the fact that it has a third-energy level, the can kind more than three bonds if it is favorable to execute so. Phosphorus has tendency to form an anion also though it has actually a short electronegativity. Due to its high reactivity, phosphorus is never found a pure element on earth.

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Electron configuration of Phosphorus with a Lewis chart on the side as well.Source
The Valence electrons are uncovered in different types of orbitals. Two are in the s-orbital (a circular orbital) when the various other 3 room in p-orbitals (bell-shaped orbitals). There room a total of 4 orbitals in the valence shell to minimize electron-electron repulsion. Because their is much less electron-electron repulsion, this development is actually much more stable 보다 one with an extra electron. Because of this Phosphorus has actually a greater ionization 보다 its Group-16 (Chalcogen) next-door neighbors Sulfur.
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Phosphorus as it move in a biochemical process.Source
Phosphorus is necessary for some attributes in life and also is an essential component of abundant soil. It moves as a compound (not as a pure element) with what is referred to as the Phosphorus cycle indigenous the soil to plants and then back into the air before returning come the soil. Phosphorus is also essential component of matches. It was uncovered in 1669 by Hening Brand.Sources:http://thechemistryguru.com/phosphorus/