What is another word for valence shell?
Pronunciation: [vˈe͡ɪləns ʃˈɛl] (IPA) 
The valence shell of an atom is the outermost shell that contains electrons. It determines the chemical properties of an element and how it bonds with other elements to form compounds. Other synonyms for the valence shell are outermost electron shell, outer shell, valence level or electron shell. The term 'valence' comes from the Latin valentia, meaning power or strength. Valence electrons are responsible for the reactivity of an atom. If the electrons in the valence shell are easily shared or transferred, the atom will form a compound and participate in chemical reactions. Understanding the valence shell and its properties is essential in the study of chemical bonding and the behavior of elements in the periodic table.
