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/

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

Related questions
See all questions in Valence Electrons
Impact of this question
21018 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License