Exxon Mobil Basic Operating Training Practice Test

Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom. They reside in the outer shell and are the ones most available to interact with other atoms, making and breaking bonds during chemical reactions. The nucleus holds protons and neutrons, not electrons. Electrons in inner shells stay closer to the nucleus and aren’t typically involved in bonding in the same way because they are more tightly held and screened by inner electrons. There isn’t a stable region described as “between shells” where electrons sit. So the outer shell is where valence electrons are found.