Question

Why are valence electrons so important?

A. They form no bonds with other atoms.
B. They are the electrons that interact with other atoms.
C. They are in the middle of the atom, shielding from the outside.
D. The number of valence electrons dictates what kind of element
the atom is.

Answer 1

B. They are the electrons that interact with other atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. These electrons are used by atoms to form bonds with other atoms during chemical bonding.

• So, the basis by which atoms interacts with one another is through the valence electrons.
• Without the valence electrons, atomic combination to form compounds would not be possible.
• Valence electrons are the most loosely held electrons and they have the lowest ionization energy.