Max number of valence e

[annikaying]

What is the max number of valence e an atom can have? I know there is the octet rule but is that just where the atom is most stable?

[Rida Ismail 2E]

I am not sure of the max number. I know that the max number is 8 for elements with only s and p orbitals because they do not have room for more electrons. But as the atomic number increases it is possible to have more than 8 electrons.

[Kellylin_4D]

That would depend on the principal quantum number, n, because each shell have a different number of subshells. For example, in n=1 where s is the only orbital, the max electrons would be 2. However, in n=3, where it has s, p, and d, then the max would be 18.
s=2
p=6
d=10
add them up and you get 18 valence electrons, which is the most that can be in the third shell.
Furthermore, the closer the subshells are to being full in a shell, then the more stable an element is. Hope this helps!

[Maia_Jackson_2C]

When you say 18 valence electrons is the most, does that mean 18 electrons fill the shell? and if the shell is full wouldn't that mean that there are no valence electrons?

[Norman Dis4C]

I think the term valence electron is the # of electrons in the outermost shell (at the molecule's ground state). So it should be less than 8.

[Jasmine Summers 4G]

I think the max number any electron can have is 8 because valence electrons are electrons in the outermost shell of an atom, and there can only be a max of 8 in any shell after the first (which is only 2).

[Emma Joy Schaetz 1E]

Why do some elements break the rule and carry more electrons in the outermost shells?