Q. What is the maximum number of electrons that the outermost shell can have?
Answer: 8
Notes: Valence electrons are defined as electrons that are found in the outermost energy levels of an atom. The maximum number of electrons that can occupy the outermost energy level or valence shell of a Representative Element is eight (with the exception is helium). This is due to the filling of electrons under Aufbau principle or rule, also known as the diagonal rule.