Final answer:
The electrons that participate in chemical bond formation are called valence electrons. They are represented in Lewis symbols and structures which show these electrons as dots surrounding an atom's symbol and aid in understanding bonding behavior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electrons involved in the formation of a chemical bond are called valence electrons. Valence electrons are the outer-shell electrons of an atom and play a pivotal role in chemical bonding. Whether through the sharing of electrons forming covalent bonds or the transfer of electrons forming ionic bonds it is the valence electrons that are interacting.
To visually represent valence electrons and the bonds they form chemists use Lewis symbols and Lewis structures. Lewis symbols depict valence electrons as dots around the elemental symbol of an atom. This method of illustration helps in predicting how an atom will bond with others.