What are the electrons in the highest energy level of an atom called?

The electrons in the highest energy level of an atom are referred to as valence electrons. These electrons are critical because they are involved in chemical bonding and reactions. They govern how an atom interacts with others and determine the atom's reactivity and the types of bonds it can form.

Valence electrons are those in the outermost shell of an atom, and their configuration varies as you move through the periodic table, influencing the properties of elements. For instance, elements with similar valence electron counts often exhibit similar chemical behaviors, leading to the categorization of elements into groups and periods.

Core electrons, on the other hand, are the electrons that are not involved in bonding and are found in the inner shells of the atom. Protons are positively charged particles found in the nucleus of an atom. Inner electrons, similar to core electrons, are found closer to the nucleus and do not participate in chemical bonding.

Understanding the role of valence electrons is essential for grasping concepts such as molecular formation, ionic and covalent bonding, and the overall behavior of elements in various chemical contexts.