http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AmiYRy2Dgy6M6nfomcULxrfsy6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20070927172751AAxLeBd
2007-09-27 15:48:38 · 1 answers · asked by Memories of Another World. 6 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Protons identify the identity of an atom. Electrons define the chemical properties of an element. But it is only those electrons that are furthest out from the nucleus that get involved in chemical reactions. The inside electrons are generally not involved.
The outer electrons are called the valence electrons. Depending on how many there are in the outer shell, they atoms try to get to eight for stability. So they are either trying to get rid of an extra electron or two, or trying to grab in an extra electron or two. Sometines they will share electrons. That's what chemical bonding is all about.
2007-09-27 15:54:20 · answer #1 · answered by reb1240 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋