| Atoms of these elements have six valence electrons and tend to gain or acquire electrons in chemical reactions. |
| The electrons in the highest energy level are called valence electrons. |
| As the number of valence electrons increases, the metallic bond develops some covalent character that contributes to higher melting points. |
| Similar patterns are seen in small atomic systems, such as the closed shells of valence electrons in metal clusters. |
| Family 2 on the periodic table is the alkaline earth metals with two valence electrons. |
| The valence electrons represent the outer electrons on the metal plus those from the ligand. |
