Question

State whether true or false:

Electrons revolving closer to the nucleus of an atom are called free electrons.

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is B False

The number of electrons in the outermost shell determines the valence of an atom. For this reason, the outer shell of an atom is called the valence shell and the electrons contained in this shell are called valence electrons or free electrons. The valence of an atom determines its ability to gain or lose an electron, which in turn determines the chemical and electrical properties of the atom. An atom that is lacking only one or two electrons from its outer shell will easily gain electrons to complete its shell, but a large amount of energy is required to free any of its electrons. The valence shell always refers to the outermost shell.
Hence, electrons revolving in the valence shell or outermost shell of an atom are called free electrons.Hence the given statement is false.