| an electron of an atom, located in the outermost shell (valence shell) of the atom, that can be transferred to or shared with another atom. |
| valence electron n. An electron in an outer shell of an atom that can participate in forming chemical bonds with other atoms. |
| valence electron
An electron in one of the outer shells of an atom that can participate in forming chemical bonds with other atoms. |
valence electron
any of the fundamental negatively charged particles in the outermost region of atoms that enters into the formation of chemical bonds. Whatever the type of chemical bond (ionic, covalent, metallic) between atoms, changes in the atomic structure are restricted to the outermost, or valence, electrons. They are more weakly attracted to the positive atomic nucleus than are the inner electrons and thus can be shared or transferred in the process of bonding with adjacent atoms. Valence electrons are also involved in the conduction of electric current in metals and semiconductors.
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