Which type of electrons are involved in the bonding between atoms?

• A. Excited electrons
• B. Free electrons
• C. Valence electrons
• D. Core electrons

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that chemical bonding occurs when atoms share or transfer electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration.
2. Recall that electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, called valence electrons, are the ones involved in bonding because they are the most accessible for interaction with other atoms.
3. Recognize that core electrons are those in inner shells and are generally not involved in bonding because they are held tightly by the nucleus.
4. Note that excited electrons are electrons that have absorbed energy and moved to a higher energy level temporarily, but bonding primarily involves valence electrons in their ground state.
5. Free electrons refer to electrons not bound to any atom, such as in metals, but in the context of bonding between atoms, valence electrons are the key players.