Valence Electrons and Kernel Electrons
This final page explores the concepts of valence electrons and kernel electrons, which are important for understanding chemical behavior and atomic structure.
Valence Electrons
Definition Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost principle energy level of an atom.
Valence electrons are crucial for determining an atom's chemical properties and bonding behavior. They can be identified from the electron configuration or Bohr model diagram.
Kernel Electrons
Definition Kernel electrons are all the electrons in the inner energy levels of an atom, excluding the valence electrons.
Kernel electrons typically do not participate in chemical reactions.
Example For Magnesium (Mg) 1sยฒ 2sยฒ 2pโถ 3sยฒ
- Valence electrons 2 (in 3s)
- Kernel electrons 10 (in 1s, 2s, and 2p)
The page includes examples of electron configurations and orbital diagrams for elements like Magnesium (Mg) and Calcium (Ca), highlighting their valence and kernel electrons.
Highlight Understanding valence electrons is crucial for predicting an element's chemical behavior and its position in the periodic table.
This page ties together the concepts of electron configuration with practical applications in chemistry and periodic trends.