The outermost electron shell of an atom is known as the _____________ shell.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that atoms have multiple electron shells or energy levels where electrons reside, starting from the innermost shell closest to the nucleus to the outermost shell.
2. Recall that the outermost electron shell is the one farthest from the nucleus and contains the valence electrons, which are important for chemical bonding and reactivity.
3. Identify the term used in chemistry and microbiology to describe this outermost shell, which is commonly called the 'valence shell'.
4. Recognize that the valence shell determines how an atom interacts with other atoms, influencing molecular formation and biological processes.
5. Conclude that the correct term to fill in the blank is 'valence', making the complete phrase: 'The outermost electron shell of an atom is known as the valence shell.'

Key Concepts

Electron Shells

Electron shells are energy levels around an atom's nucleus where electrons are found. Each shell can hold a specific maximum number of electrons, and electrons fill the shells starting from the innermost to the outermost.

Valence Shell

The valence shell is the outermost electron shell of an atom that contains electrons involved in chemical bonding. The number of electrons in this shell determines an atom's reactivity and bonding behavior.

Chemical Reactivity and Bonding

Atoms interact and form bonds based on the electrons in their valence shell. Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a full valence shell, leading to stable chemical compounds.