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Chapter 5: Problem 63

Why are an atom's valence electrons the only electrons involved in bonding?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Valence electrons are the only electrons involved in bonding because they are present in the outermost energy level of an atom and have the highest energy in comparison to other electrons. Due to their greater distance from the nucleus, they are least tightly held, making them more available for sharing, losing, or gaining in order to achieve a stable electron configuration. This process leads to the formation of chemical bonds, resulting in new compounds and molecules.

Step by step solution

01

1. Atomic Structure

Atoms consist of three types of subatomic particles: protons, neutrons, and electrons. While protons and neutrons are found in the nucleus (center) of the atom, electrons occupy the space outside the nucleus, in what is called electron shells or energy levels.
02

2. Energy Levels

In an atom, electrons occupy different energy levels, ranging from the lowest energy level (closest to the nucleus) to the highest energy level (farthest from the nucleus). These energy levels can hold a specific number of electrons: the first level holds 2, the second holds 8, and the third holds 18, for example.
03

3. Valence Electrons

Valence electrons are the electrons found in the outermost energy level of an atom. They are the electrons with the highest energy in comparison to other electrons of the atom.
04

4. Chemical Bonding

The process of chemical bonding involves atoms sharing, losing, or gaining electrons in order to achieve a stable electron configuration, which generally means having a full outermost energy level. This stability is the driving force behind the formation of chemical bonds.
05

5. Valence Electrons and Bonding

Since valence electrons are present in the outermost energy level, they are the least tightly held by the nucleus (due to the greater distance). This makes them more available to be shared, lost or gained, in comparison to the inner electrons which are held more tightly by the nucleus. Therefore, only valence electrons participate in chemical bonding, leading to the formation of new compounds and molecules.

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