Valence Electrons
Valence electrons are the s and p electrons in the outermost shell. The electrons present in the inner shell are core electrons. When we study and observe the atom of an element, we come across tiny subatomic particles called valence electrons. Lewis structures help us to track the valence electrons and predict the types of bonds.
Valence electrons are all arranged in different orbitals or shells and are mostly negatively charged particles. Further, these electrons are responsible for the interaction between atoms and the formation of chemical bonds. However, not all electrons are associated with the atom. Only the electrons present in the outermost shell can participate in the formation of a chemical bond or a molecule. Such a type of electron is called a valence electron.
What are Valence Electrons?
Valence is the number of electrons an atom must lose or gain to attain the nearest noble gas or inert gas electron configuration. “Electrons in the outer shells that are not filled are called valence electrons.
The valence electrons are part of the chemical reactions because they contain more energy compared to the electrons present in inner orbits. Meanwhile, the number of valence electrons present also helps us determine a specific element’s chemical properties, such as its valence or valency, and the formation of bonds with other elements. It also gives us an idea of how readily the atoms can form bonds, the number of unpaired electrons, and how many atoms can take part.
Characteristics of Valence Electron
Electrons are involved in the chemical bonding and reactions of the atom. It is said to occupy orbitals in an atom. The number of valence electrons of an atom can be obtained from the periodic table because it is equal to the group number of the atom. Atoms are most stable if they have a filled valence shell of electrons. Atoms transfer or share electrons in such a way that they can attain a filled shell of electrons.
Some key characteristics of a valence electron are;
- For the main group elements, the valence electron exists only in the outermost electron shell.
- A valence electron can exist in the inner shell of a transition metal.
- An atom consisting of a closed shell of valence electrons will usually be chemically inert.
- A valence electron can either absorb or release energy in the form of a photon.
- Valence electrons also determine the electrical conductivity of an element. Depending on the nature of the elements can be metal, non-metal, or metalloid.
Determination of Valence Electrons
One of the easiest ways to find valence electrons is by checking out the elements’ place in the periodic table. The valence electrons of an element can be found by closely examining the vertical column in which the elements are grouped. By looking at the group number that is given we can identify the number of valence electrons that an element that is listed under that specific column has.
Another way to find or determine valence electrons is by knowing the electronic configuration.
However, if we take the transition metals (groups 3-12), finding the valence electron is quite complicated. These elements’ atomic structure is rigid and the d subshell is incomplete and sits lower than the outer shell.
Valence Electron of Elements
Here is a list of the number of valence electrons present in the different groups.
| Periodic Table of Group | Valence Electrons |
|---|---|
| Alkali metals – Group 1 (I) | 1 |
| Alkaline earth metals – Group 2 (II) | 2 |
| Boron group – Group 13 (III) | 3 |
| Carbon group – Group 14 (IV) | 4 |
| Nitrogen group – Group 15 (V) | 5 |
| Oxygen group – Group 16 (VI) | 6 |
| Halogens – Group 17 (VII) | 7 |
| Noble gasses – Group 18 (VIII or 0) | 8 |
How do you find the valence electrons?
For neutral atoms, the number of valence electrons is equal to the atom’s main group number. The main group number for an element can be found from its column on the periodic table. For example, carbon is in group 4 and has 4 valence electrons. Oxygen is in group 6 and has 6 valence electrons.
What is a valence electron with an example?
The total number of electrons present in the last shell orbit is known as valence electrons. For example: Oxygen has 6 electrons present in the last orbital shell hence 6 is the valence electron.
What is called valency?
Valency is the combining power of an element. Elements in the same group of the periodic table have the same valency. The valency of an element is related to how many electrons are in the outer shell.
What is the purpose of valence electrons?
Valence electrons are the outer-shell electrons of an atom. Valence electrons determine the reactivity of an atom.
How do valence electrons work?
Valence electrons are the electrons located at the outermost shell of an atom. Because when two atoms interact, the electrons in the outermost shells are the first ones to come into contact with each other and are the ones that determine how an atom will react in a chemical reaction.