valence electrons

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "valence electrons" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of chemistry to refer to the electrons in the outer shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding. Example: "The chemical properties of an element are largely determined by the number of valence electrons it has."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Such electrons are called valence electrons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This distinctive colour results from the oscillations of its loosely bound outer (valence) electrons.

The Guardian

Chlorine has seven valence electrons in its neutral state.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The boron (B) atom supplies three valence electrons, and a representation of the compound's structure is: The boron atom has a share in only six valence electrons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most magnets are composed of atoms whose valence electrons are in d- or f-shells.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ions that donate or accept one or two valence electrons form insulators.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The valence electrons represent the outer electrons on the metal plus those from the ligand.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The valence electrons, however, are found mainly in the 6d and 7s orbitals.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This group of electrons is, however, highly polarizable, which influences the bonding of the valence electrons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Those that have three to five valence electrons tend to have covalent bonds and form semiconductors.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Several nickel(+2) complexes, for example—including the hexafluoro, hexaaqua, and hexaammine complexes each have 20 valence electrons.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing chemical properties or bonding behavior, explicitly mention the number of "valence electrons" an atom possesses, as this directly influences its reactivity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all electrons in an atom are "valence electrons". Only the electrons in the outermost shell participate in bonding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "valence electrons" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence when discussing chemical properties, bonding, and electronic configurations of atoms. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

45%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

News & Media

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "valence electrons" refers to the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom that participate in chemical bonding. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and very commonly used, especially within scientific contexts such as science, encyclopedias and wiki sources. Understanding the number and behavior of "valence electrons" is crucial for predicting an element's reactivity and bonding properties. When using the term, it's important to distinguish "valence electrons" from the total number of electrons in an atom and to relate the number of "valence electrons" to the element's group number in the periodic table.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outer shell electrons

Focuses specifically on the location of the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom.

bonding electrons

Emphasizes the role of these electrons in forming chemical bonds between atoms.

outermost electrons

Highlights the position of the electrons farthest from the nucleus.

electrons in the valence shell

More explicitly states the location within the valence shell.

valence shell electron count

Refers specifically to the number of valence electrons.

electrons involved in bonding

Broadly describes electrons participating in chemical interactions.

peripheral electrons

Uses a less common term to indicate electrons located on the periphery of the atom.

available electrons for bonding

Highlights the availability of these electrons for chemical reactions.

electrons in the outermost energy level

Describes the location based on energy level rather than shell.

shared electrons

Focuses on the electrons shared in covalent bonds.

FAQs

What determines the chemical behavior of an atom?

The number of "valence electrons" primarily determines an atom's chemical behavior, as they participate in chemical bonding.

What is the difference between valence and core electrons?

Core electrons are in the inner shells and do not participate in bonding, whereas "valence electrons" are in the outermost shell and are involved in chemical reactions.

How do I determine the number of valence electrons an atom has?

For main group elements, the number of "valence electrons" is typically equal to the group number in the periodic table.

Are "valence electrons" lost or shared during chemical bonding?

Valence electrons can be either lost (in ionic bonding) or shared (in covalent bonding) to form chemical bonds between atoms.