Valence Electron (Noun)
Meaning
An electron in the outer shell of an atom which can combine with other atoms to form molecules.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The valence electron is an electron in the outermost shell of an atom that can participate in the formation of chemical bonds with other atoms.
- The number of valence electrons in an atom determines its chemical properties and how it reacts with other elements.
- Valence electrons are responsible for the reactivity of an atom, as they can be gained, lost, or shared with other atoms to form chemical bonds.
- The arrangement of valence electrons in an atom's outer shell plays a crucial role in determining its chemical reactivity and the types of bonds it can form.
- The transfer of valence electrons from one atom to another is known as ionic bonding, which is a fundamental process in the formation of many compounds.