Valence electrons are defined by their energy level and their participation in chemical bonding. They are the outermost electrons in an atom and are primarily involved in the formation of chemical bonds with other atoms.
Valence electrons are typically found in the outermost electron shells or energy levels of an atom. These shells are associated with increasing distance from the nucleus. The valence shell is the outermost occupied electron shell, and the electrons in this shell are called valence electrons. The number of valence electrons determines the chemical properties and reactivity of an element.
While the valence electrons are generally found farther from the nucleus compared to the inner electrons, it is important to note that the energy of an electron is not solely determined by its distance from the nucleus. The energy of an electron is also influenced by other factors, such as the effective nuclear charge (the net positive charge experienced by an electron due to the attraction to the nucleus) and the shielding effect of inner electron shells.
Valence electrons have higher energy compared to inner electrons and are more available for participation in chemical reactions. They play a crucial role in determining the bonding and chemical behavior of atoms, as they can be shared, gained, or lost to form chemical bonds with other atoms, thus influencing the formation of compounds and molecules.