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

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

Each combination yielded a different concentration of valence electrons within the material.

From Science Daily • Oct. 19, 2023

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

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