Number of Valence Electrons

The # of valence electrons (VE) is the same as the group #. Valence electrons are the electrons on the valence (or outermost) shell.

Ex:

• Group I: 1 VE
• Group II: 2 VE
• Group VI: 6 VE

Like most people, atoms seek stability…a secure existence. How people gain stability is by getting an education (yea for you!) and earning an income which helps them to live a better life.

To an atom, that stability comes in the form of an octet, or eight electrons in its valence shell, which provides a stable energy level. How atoms attain an octet is the key. Noble gases, in group VIII, have a natural octet (that’s why they’re so noble). But all other atoms must either gain or lose electrons from their valence shells to form an octet. By knowing the # valence electrons, predictions can be made about the atom’s tendencies.

The closer to Group VIII, then the more likely the atom is to gain electrons to progress to the next noble gas and have 8 electrons.

The farther away from Group VIII, then the more likely the atom is to lose electrons to regress to the previous noble gas’ electron configuration to attain 8 valence electrons.

The # valence electrons can give insight into the psychology of an atom and  by knowing its needs, one can predict its chemical behavior: what will it want to do to attain an octet and achieve stability.

Periodic trends simply help to explain how the atom thinks and behaves. From that, predictions on bonding and reactivity can be made (rather than mixing a few things and hoping not to scorch your eyebrows).