Question

Which electrons are responsible for most chemical bonding? outer electron shell because these electrons can be readily exchanged with adjacent atoms innermost electron shell because the electrons can be transferred to the nucleus middle electron shell because they are intermediate in distance between the nucleus and the adjacent atom that bonds with the atom Any electron can exchange with adjacent atoms to form a bond; there is no preference.

Answer 1

The answer to your question is: The first option.

Step-by-step explanation:

Outer electron shell because these electrons can be readily exchanged with adjacent atoms As is mentioned in the statement, these electrons can be exchanged easily with adjacent atoms, so this is the right answer.

Innermost electron shell because the electrons can be transferred to the nucleus. Innermost electrons can not react as easily as the outermost, because they are protected by the outermost shells. This answer in not correct.

Middle electron shell because they are intermediate in distance between the nucleus and the adjacent atom that bonds with the atom. In order that an electron can react, it must be located in the outermost shell, it is not an advantage to be in the middle shells. This option is incorrect.

Any electron can exchange with adjacent atoms to form a bond; there is no preference. Not any electron can react with another element, only the electrons in the outermost shell can react, this option is incorrect.