Atoms, Bonding, and the Periodic Table

Valence Electrons
The electrons found in the outermost shell are
called valence electrons
Valence electrons are involved in making
compounds (the bonding of two or more
elements)

Label

Valence
Electrons

+
+

+
+

 Determines how reactive an atom is.

Determines many of the properties of an
element.

Write the number the valence electrons on your PT.

1
3 4 5 6 7

Valence electrons vary.

Valence electrons vary.

Valence electrons increase left to right

Same group,
same number
of valence
electrons

8
2

How many valence electrons do these elements have?

Lithium 1
Bromine 7

Carbon 4
Hydrogen 1

Krypton 8
Silicon 4

Octet Rule
Atoms with 8 valence electrons
are stable (unreactive).

If only I
could be like
neonI only
need 2 more
valence
electrons!

Ne

 Atoms with less than 8 valence

electrons are reactive. These atoms
will make compounds to get 8 valence
electrons.

Im
reactive!

Im not
reactive.

Ne

Inert gases dont react with other

elements because they are stable
they have 8 valence electrons.

Ne

I cant help
it that Im
perfect.
I was born
with 8
electrons.

 Atoms combine with each other so

that they each have 8 valence
electrons.

Hey Mg, if we
bond we will
both have 8
electrons and
become
perfect like
Neon!

Mg

Mg

An Exception
Helium, Lithium, and Beryllium are
stable with 2 valence electrons.
Why?
Because the
first electron
shell is full with
2 electrons.