Valence shell

Definition

The valence shell is the outermost shell of an atom that contains electrons which are involved in forming bonds. In organic chemistry, it plays a crucial role in determining how atoms connect to form molecules.

Related terms

Covalent Bond:

A type of chemical bond involving the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, primarily occurring between nonmetals.

Electron Configuration:

The distribution of electrons of an atom or molecule in atomic or molecular orbitals.

Octet Rule:

A chemical rule of thumb that reflects observation that atoms of main-group elements tend to combine in such a way that each atom has eight electrons in its valence shell, giving it the same electronic configuration as a noble gas