Based on its location in the periodic table, what can most likely be predicted about phosphorus? a. it has three valence electrons available for bonding. b. it has three nonbonding electrons. c. it has five valence electrons available for bonding. d. it has five nonbonding electrons.

Correct option is C.

Explanation:

Phosphorous is an element present in group 15 of the periodic table.

Electronic Configuration:

As we can see from the electronic configuration, the last electron is entering in the p-orbital therefore, it is called as P-block element.

There are total 5 valence electrons out of which two electrons are present in 3s orbital and remaining three are present in 3p orbital.

Initially there are three valence electrons present for bonding but it extends to 5 valence electron that are available for bonding because of the presence of the empty 3d orbital.