Valence electrons are the electrons in the outermost energy level of an atom that interact in bonding with other elements. An electron dot diagram is a model of an atom that uses dots to represent valence electrons, with a symbol in the center representing the nucleus and inner electrons. Electron dot diagrams show the valence electrons available for bonding between atoms.

1. Valence Electrons Electrons in the outer most or highest energy level The electrons that will interact in bonding with other elements

2. Electron Dot Diagram A model of an atom in which each dot represents a valence electron. The symbol in the center represents the nucleus and all the other electrons in the atom.