How do valence electrons affect chemical bonding?

Valence electrons play a crucial role in chemical bonding because they are the electrons located in the outermost shell of an atom. These electrons are involved in the formation of bonds between atoms, whether through shared pairs in covalent bonding or by transferring electrons in ionic bonding. The number of valence electrons determines an atom's ability to connect with other atoms, influencing both the type of bond formed and the characteristics of the resulting compound.

For instance, atoms with a full outer shell are generally less reactive, while those with one or more unpaired valence electrons will tend to seek bonds to fill their outer shell. This tendency to achieve a stable electron configuration drives the interaction between different atoms, making valence electrons fundamental to understanding the nature of chemical bonds.