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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Valence Shell and Penultimate Shell?

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The main difference between the valence shell and the penultimate shell lies in their positions within an atom and their roles in chemical bonding:

  • Valence Shell: This is the outermost electron-containing shell of an atom. The electrons in the valence shell are called valence electrons, and they have the least attraction towards the nucleus of an atom. Valence electrons are responsible for chemical bonding and compound formation.
  • Penultimate Shell: This is the electron-containing shell that is inner to the outermost valence shell. The penultimate shell is closer to the atomic nucleus than the valence shell. The electrons in the penultimate shell have a greater attraction to the atomic nucleus compared to the valence electrons.

In summary, the valence shell is the outermost shell containing valence electrons, which are involved in chemical bonding, while the penultimate shell is the shell just before the valence shell and is closer to the atomic nucleus.

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  • What is the Difference Between Valence Shell and Penultimate Shell?
  • Comparative Table: Valence Shell vs Penultimate Shell

    • Comparative Table: Valence Shell vs Penultimate Shell

    The key difference between the valence shell and the penultimate shell is their position in an atom and their role in chemical bonding. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two:

    Feature Valence Shell Penultimate Shell
    Position Outermost electron-containing shell Second-to-last electron-containing shell
    Role in Chemical Bonding Responsible for chemical reactions and chemical bonding of atoms Not involved in chemical bonding and compound formation, except in transition metals
    Valence Electrons Electrons in this shell are called valence electrons, which have the least attraction towards the nucleus of an atom Electrons in this shell are not called valence electrons
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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.