In the realm of scientific inquiry, making an observation typically leads to

n+h→nh3

we must remember that nitrogen and hydrogen are both diatomic molecules in their standard gas form. this adjusts the equation to

n2+h2→nh3

now we need to adjust coefficients in order to balance the atoms on each side of the equation. currently we have 2 atoms of nitrogen and 2 atoms of hydrogen on the reactant side and 1 atom of nitrogen and 3 atoms of hydrogen on the product side.

we can balance the hydrogens by placing a coefficient of 2 in front of ammonia and a coefficient of 3 in front of the hydrogen.

n2+3h2→2nh3

this gives us 6 hydrogen on each side and coincidentally the nitrogens now equal 2 on each side.

answer:

the answer is 6 valence electrons.

explanation:

valence is the # of electrons on the outer most shell of an atom.

oxygen has 6.

although, the valency of oxygen is 2, because it only needs to make 2 covalent bonds, or gain 2 electrons, to achieve the stable octet configuration of a noble gas.

that's it!

if you need further assistance, let me know: )

~ trueboss72