What are valence electrons?

Valence electrons are defined as the electrons located in the outermost energy level of an atom. These electrons play a crucial role in determining how an atom interacts with others, particularly in chemical bonding. Atoms strive for a full outer shell, typically achieving this through the loss, gain, or sharing of valence electrons. This process is central to the formation of ionic and covalent bonds.

Understanding the function of valence electrons is vital in predicting the chemical behavior of an element. Elements with similar numbers of valence electrons often exhibit similar chemical properties, which is a key principle in the periodic table's organization.