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The question asks for the MAXIMUM number of bonds. Nitrogen forms 3 covalent bonds normally, but it can form 4 covalent bonds when:
• It uses its lone pair to bond with another atom
• This results in a positive charge on nitrogen
Example:
• Ammonium ion (NH4+)
Here:
• Nitrogen forms 4 bonds
• Has no lone pair
• Carries a (+1) charge

the maximum number of covalent bonds nitrogen can form is actually 4 not 3. In the valence shell, it has a total of 5 electrons. Regularly while bonding, its shares three out of them leaving the lone pair(take ammonia for example NH3). This lone pair forms a coordinate covalent bond with the proton (H+), donating the lone pair to it , thus forming ammonium ion NH4+ and a total of 4 covalent bonds.

The correct answer is: C
Nitrogen (N) has 5 valence electrons (in the 2s and 2p orbitals).
To achieve a stable electron configuration, nitrogen can form three covalent bonds by sharing its three valence electrons with other atoms, as in ammonia (NH₃).
In the case of nitrogen molecules (Nâ‚‚), it forms a triple bond with another nitrogen atom, sharing three pairs of electrons.
Thus, the maximum number of covalent bonds that nitrogen can form is 3.


