The number of valence electrons in an element is a very important factor when it comes to determining the chemical properties of that element. They determine how an element combines with other elements, and the chemical reactions that occur when it does so.
A valence electron is an outermost shell of an atom that takes part in the formation of bonds between atoms. It also determines the electrical conductivity of an element.
Generally, the number of valence electrons in an atom is determined by the position of that element in the Periodic Table. For example, all the elements in group 1 have one valence electron, and all the elements in group 2 have two valence electrons.
Some elements, such as alkali metals (e.g., lithium and sodium) have only one valence electron, while some, such as the noble gases (e.g., neon) have eight valence electrons.
Elements with completely filled valence shells, or atoms that contain a full octet of valence electrons, are most stable.
In contrast, the valence electrons in an atom that does not have a complete outer shell are chemically unstable. For this reason, valence electrons are usually present in the outer shell of main group elements and transition metals.
This calculator will quickly calculate the valence electrons of any element that you enter in its blank box. You can even input any symbol for the atom you want to calculate the valence electrons for, such as "N" or the "Z" symbol.
