valence electrons

Cultural  

1. In chemistry, those electrons found in orbits farthest from the nucleus of the atom. These electrons determine the way in which the atom will combine with other atoms, and thus determine its chemical properties.

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Example Sentences

Some of these defects, including the NV center, can host what are known as electronic spins, which originate from the valence electrons around the site of the defect.

From Science Daily • Feb. 8, 2024

They theorized that sodium's core electrons, thought to be inert, would interact with each other and the outer valence electrons when under extreme pressure.

From Science Daily • Dec. 29, 2023

The researchers found that the key to enhancing ceramic toughness lay in the use of metals from the fifth and sixth columns of the periodic table, due to their higher number of valence electrons.

From Science Daily • Oct. 19, 2023

Aluminum normally uses all of its valence electrons when it reacts, giving compounds in which it has an oxidation state of 3+.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

It readily gives up three of its five valence electrons to active nonmetals to form the tri-positive ion, Bi3+.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019