The outermost electrons of an atom are called what?

• A. Valence electrons
• B. Core electrons
• C. Neutrons
• D. Electron pairs

Answer: (A)

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons. They occupy the outermost energy level and are the ones that participate in bonding with other atoms, which is why they largely determine an element’s chemical properties and reactivity. Core electrons are the inner electrons that don’t usually take part in bonding. Neutrons are in the nucleus and are not electrons at all. Electron pairs refer to two electrons that pair up in orbitals, but this term doesn’t specifically identify the outermost shell. So, the outermost electrons are called valence electrons.