Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated August 2025
Definition
An electron shell is a grouping of electrons surrounding the nucleus of an atom in distinct layers. Each shell can hold a certain maximum number of electrons and determines the atom's chemical properties.
The electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, which determine how the atom interacts chemically with other atoms.
Chemical Bond: A lasting attraction between atoms that enables the formation of chemical compounds, often involving interactions between valence electrons