False. The valence electrons are not the total number of electrons in an atom. The valence electrons are specifically the electrons in the outermost energy level or shell of an atom.
The total number of electrons in an atom is determined by its atomic number, which corresponds to the number of protons in the nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons. However, not all electrons in an atom are considered valence electrons.
The valence electrons are the electrons involved in the atom's chemical reactions and bonding with other atoms. They are located in the outermost energy level or shell of the atom, also known as the valence shell. The valence shell can hold a maximum of eight electrons, except for the first shell, which can hold a maximum of two electrons.
Understanding the number of valence electrons is important because it determines the chemical behavior of an element, including its ability to form bonds and participate in reactions.