Why are valence electrons important?

1 Answer
Nam D.
Mar 19, 2018

They give us the reactivity of the elements.

Explanation:

If the valence electrons of elements are really close or really far to 8, like 1 or 7, those elements tend to be very reactive, and don't generally have a lot of oxidation states.

The alkali metals (group 1 elements) each have 1 valence electrons, so they tend to be very reactive, and readily lose that electron.

The halogens (group 7 or 17 elements) each have 7 valence electrons, and will react with almost anything just to get that extra electron to complete its octet.

Have a look at the elements on the periodic table:

![https://www.ptable.com/](useruploads.socratic.org)

Can you predict on which elements are going to be reactive?

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