Which statement best describes the role of valence electrons in the chemical reactions of an element?

• A. Valence electrons determine the atomic mass of an element.
• B. Valence electrons are responsible for the color of an element.
• C. Valence electrons are involved in forming chemical bonds during reactions.
• D. Valence electrons are found only in the nucleus and do not participate in reactions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that valence electrons are the electrons located in the outermost shell (energy level) of an atom.
2. Recognize that chemical reactions involve the making and breaking of chemical bonds between atoms.
3. Recall that valence electrons are the electrons that participate in bond formation because they are the most accessible for interaction with other atoms.
4. Note that valence electrons do not determine atomic mass, which depends on protons and neutrons in the nucleus, nor are they responsible for color, which relates to electron transitions but not specifically valence electrons alone.
5. Conclude that the correct description is that valence electrons are involved in forming chemical bonds during reactions, as they enable atoms to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve stable electron configurations.