Which type of electrons determine the bonding and properties of an atom?

Valence electrons are the outermost electrons of an atom and are crucial in determining how that atom bonds with others and what chemical properties it exhibits. These electrons play a key role in the formation of chemical bonds, whether they be ionic, covalent, or metallic. The number of valence electrons in an atom influences its reactivity and the types of molecules it can form.

In contrast, core electrons are the inner electrons that are not involved in bonding and lie beneath the valence shell. Conductive electrons typically refer to electrons in metals that are free to move and carry electric current, and while they are important for conductivity, they do not directly determine bonding in the context of chemical interactions. Shielding electrons refer to the inner electrons that screen the outer electrons from the full charge of the nucleus, affecting the effective nuclear charge experienced by the valence electrons but not participating directly in bonding.

Thus, valence electrons are fundamental in shaping the characteristics of an atom and how it interacts with other atoms in chemical bonding and reactions.