Why do valence electrons determine how an atom interacts with other atoms?
a. they form reactive isotopes of an atom.
b. they are closer to the nucleus of an atom.
c. they are on the outside of the atom.
d. they have been lost by the atom.

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Option (C) is the correct answer.

Explanation:

Valence electrons are the electrons which are present in the outer most shell of an atom. Valence electrons are away from the nucleus of the atom. Hence, there is no attraction between nucleus and valence electrons of an atom

When an atom comes in contact with another atom then it is the outer most electrons which get donated or transfer between the atoms. As a result, a bond is formed due to valence electrons.

Whereas electrons present in the inner most shells are strongly attracted by the nucleus of the atom. Hence, they are no available for formation of a bond. Hence, they do not participate in bond formation.

Thus, we can conclude that valence electrons determine how an atom interacts with other atoms as they are on the outside of the atom.