The electrons that bond with other atoms are called valence electrons.Valence electrons are the outermost electrons in an atom’s electron shell. These are the electrons that participate in chemical reactions because they are the easiest to gain, lose, or share with other atoms. The number of valence electrons determines how an atom will interact or bond with other atoms.Example of Valence Electrons Oxygen has 6 valence electrons and needs 2 more to be stable, so it forms bonds with two hydrogen atoms in a water molecule.Sodium has 1 valence electron, which it tends to lose, making it reactive with elements like chlorine.Atoms bond to complete their octet (8 valence electrons) or to match the stable configuration of noble gases. By understanding valence electrons, scientists can predict how elements form molecules and compounds.