Valence nucleons

Valence nucleons are the protons and neutrons in an atomic nucleus that determine the atom's chemical properties and its behavior in reactions. Think of them as the "active" players in the nucleus, as they interact to form bonds with other atoms. Each element has a unique number of valence nucleons, influencing its reactivity and stability. While all nucleons contribute to the nucleus's overall stability, valence nucleons are particularly important for understanding how elements combine and behave in chemical processes.