valence electron

American  

noun

Chemistry.

1. an electron of an atom, located in the outermost shell valence shell of the atom, that can be transferred to or shared with another atom.

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valence electron Scientific  

1. An electron in one of the outer shells of an atom that can participate in forming chemical bonds with other atoms.

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Usage

What are valence electrons? A valence electron is a negatively charged particle, located in the outermost shell of an atom, that can be transferred to or shared with another atom. Valence (or valency) is an atom or group of atoms’ ability to chemically unite with other atoms or groups. Electrons are negatively charged subatomic particles surrounding the nucleus of an atom in shells. Valence electrons, then, are electrons in the outermost shell of the atom that determine an atom’s or group’s ability to bond with others. In chemistry, a group refers to two or more atoms that are specifically arranged. Groups are also called radicals. Free radicals are unstable, highly reactive atoms or molecules that have unpaired valence electrons.

Etymology

Origin of valence electron

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

They identified two high-entropy carbides that exhibited exceptional resistance to cracking under load or stress, thanks to their high valence electron concentrations.

From Science Daily • Oct. 19, 2023

By using metals with a higher valence electron count, the researchers successfully improved the material's resistance to cracking when subjected to mechanical load and stress.

From Science Daily • Oct. 19, 2023

In the periodic table, elements with analogous valence electron configurations usually occur within the same group.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

Any central atom surrounded by just two regions of valence electron density in a molecule will exhibit sp hybridization.

From Textbooks • Feb. 14, 2019

These other columns I elements also readily give up this single valence electron and thus become ions with a +1 charge.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2017