What are Valence Electrons?
Valence electrons refer to the electrons located in the outermost energy level of an atom, with the outermost orbitals typically containing these valence electrons that determine if the chemical bonds will form or not. These electrons help to determine an atom’s rate of reactivity, electronegativity, and bonding capacity. The number of valence electrons is easily determined by the group number of the main group elements on the periodic table.
Transition metals have more complex electron configurations. The valence electrons are the outermost shell electrons located in an atom, which help in chemical bond formation. They are in the outermost part of the atom, and they are the least tightly held by the nucleus. Hence, they become available for sharing in bonding and the various chemical reactions.
How to Find Valence Electrons
Valence electrons are situated at the outermost highest energy level of an atom, making them the most available for creating molecular bonds. The number of valence electrons in one atom of any element is determined by its position in the periodic table. The valence electrons are the primary factors in chemical reactions that bond and react with other atoms or molecules. Hence, determining the elements’ reactivity, electronegativity, and the number of bonds they can form. In this article, we will look into what valence electrons are and how to find valence electron for atoms.
Table of Content
- What are Valence Electrons?
- Determination of Valence electrons
- Periodic Table Method
- Electronic Configuration Method
- Importance of Calculation of Valence Electrons