The electrons found in the outer shell of atoms are referred to as what?

The term referring to the electrons found in the outer shell of atoms is "valence electrons." These electrons are crucial because they play a significant role in chemical bonding and reactions. Valence electrons are located on the outermost layer of an atom's electron cloud and determine how atoms interact with each other, forming chemical bonds.

In chemical reactions, atoms tend to gain, lose, or share valence electrons to achieve a stable electronic configuration, often following the octet rule, which states that atoms are most stable when they have eight electrons in their valence shell. Understanding valence electrons is fundamental to grasping concepts such as oxidation states, ionic and covalent bonds, and the behavior of molecules in various chemical contexts.

Recognizing the importance of these electrons provides insight into the reactivity of different elements and compounds, which is essential knowledge for anyone working with chemical substances, especially in the field of water quality and laboratory analysis.