Concept:Nitrogen needs three more electrons to complete its octet, so it typically forms three covalent bonds.Explanation:Nitrogen has five valence electrons in its outer shell.Its electron configuration is 1s22s22p3.To achieve a stable octet, it must gain three more electrons.Each covalent bond shares one electron pair, adding one electron to nitrogen's valence shell.Therefore, nitrogen forms three covalent bonds.Answer:Nitrogen forms 3 covalent bonds.