Question

Why do valence electrons form bonds to create molecules and compounds?

A. They are weaker than the electrons found closer to the nucleus.
B. They are smaller than other electrons
C. They are smaller than other electrons
D. They are stronger than the electrons found closer to the nucleus

Note: Yes, I am aware of B and D being the same, i have no clue for why that is.

Answer 1

Valence electrons form bonds to create molecules and compounds because A. they are weaker than the electrons found closer to the nucleus.

A better way of saying it is that the valence electrons are less strongly attracted to the nucleus.

All electrons have the same size, but the orbitals they occupy have different sizes.