valence 1

Valence

A number describing the electrical and chemical characteristics of an atom. Governs bonding and electrical conductivity. Outermost shell electrons are the ONLY ones involved in bonding.(electrical and chemical)

Valence Shell

The outermost electron shell of an atom

The Octet Rule

Atoms tend to combine so each can have up to 8 electrons in valence shells. Molecules or ions are most stable when the outermost shell contains 8 electrons

Ion

An atom possessing an excess or deficiency of valence electrons, giving it a net positive or negative charge

Ionization

Process where an atom loses or gains electrons (electron-only process)

Energy Transfer Requirement

Ionization requires an energy transfer resulting in a change in the atom's internal energy

Positive Ions

Losing an electron produces a positive ion

Negative Ions

gaining an electron produces a negative ion

Ionization in Radiation

Ionization occurs when an x-ray photon transfers its energy to an orbital electron and ejects that electron from the atom.

Loss of Electrical Neutrality

Ionized atoms are no longer electrically neutral

Electron-Only Process

Ionization is possible ONLY with electrons

A change in protons changes what

The element itself

A change in neutrons creates what

isotope/does not cause ionization

if an atom Valence shell is not stable what interaction would most likely occur?

Sharing, gaining or losing Valence electrons to be stable