valence electron
valence electron
Noun
pl: valence electrons
This term is a technical specification used primarily in chemistry and physics to describe the electrons in the highest energy level of an atom. It carries a neutral, scientific connotation and is used to explain the chemical reactivity and bonding behavior of elements.
In a pedagogical context, the term is often contrasted with core electrons, which are the inner electrons that do not typically participate in chemical reactions. The concept is central to the octet rule and the prediction of molecular geometry.
Meanings
Related Words
core electronatomelectronorbitalshellnucleusprotonneutronchemistryphysicsbondingcovalent bondionic bondelectronegativityionization energyelectron affinityperiodicityperiodic tablegroupperiodnoble gashalogenalkali metalalkaline earth metalchalcogentransition metalvalence shelloctet rulehybridizationlone pairbonding pairvalenceoxidation statechargeelectrostaticsquantum numberprincipal quantum numberazimuthal quantum numbermagnetic quantum numberspin quantum numbers orbitalp orbitalf orbitalelectron configurationcationanionmoleculecompoundelementreactivitystabilityelectrophilenucleophiledipolepolarizationlatticeplasmaionvalence bandconduction bandsemiconductorinsulatorconductor