---
title: "Valence Electron — AP Chem Definition & Exam Guide"
description: "Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom, and they decide how it bonds. They drive ion formation, Lewis structures, and Coulomb's law on AP Chem."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-chem/key-terms/valence-electron"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Chemistry"
---

# Valence Electron — AP Chem Definition & Exam Guide

## Definition

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom's electron configuration and have the potential to interact with other atoms. They play a key role in chemical reactions and bonding.

## Related Study Guides

- [2.3 Structure of Ionic Solids](/ap-chem/unit-2/structure-ionic-solids/study-guide/3khaTI6A3tdnaMTMJy2u)

## Review

### Related Terms

- [Electron Configuration](/ap-chem/key-terms/electron-configuration): This refers to the distribution of electrons of an atom or molecule in atomic or molecular orbitals.
- Covalent Bonding: This type of bonding happens when pairs of valence electrons are shared by atoms.
- [Ionization Energy](/ap-chem/key-terms/ionization-energy): The energy required to remove one electron from an atom.