Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Why are only valence electrons, and not core electrons, typically involved in chemical bonding?
A
Valence electrons have higher binding energy, so they are more likely to participate in bonding.
B
Valence electrons are located in the outermost shell and are less tightly held, making them more available for interactions with other atoms.
C
Core electrons are more reactive because they are closer to the nucleus.
D
Core electrons are always shared between atoms during bond formation.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the difference between valence electrons and core electrons: Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, while core electrons are those in the inner shells closer to the nucleus.
Recognize that chemical bonding involves the interaction and sharing or transfer of electrons between atoms to achieve stable electron configurations, often resembling the nearest noble gas configuration.
Note that valence electrons are less tightly held by the nucleus because they are farther away and experience more shielding from inner electrons, making them more available to interact with other atoms.
Core electrons are held more tightly due to their proximity to the nucleus and the strong electrostatic attraction, so they do not typically participate in bonding because it requires significant energy to involve them.
Conclude that only valence electrons are involved in chemical bonding because they are the electrons that can be gained, lost, or shared to form chemical bonds, while core electrons remain largely unaffected.