valence electron
Americannoun
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
Three valence electrons in the sp2 hybrid orbitals of each carbon atom and the valence electron of each hydrogen atom form the framework of σ bonds in the benzene molecule.
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
