Answer to Question #38832 in Inorganic Chemistry for James

Question

Hello everyone my names james. My question has to do with the orbitals that contain valence electrons. The definition given in the textbook of an orbital includes that there may be only "2" electrons in an orbital at one time. Later it states how valence electrons are the electrons that are the electrons located in the outermost orbital (is the a specific name for the outermost orbital? Or is that just what you call it) . But shown in examples are orbitals of valence electrons containing more than 2 electrons ( usually they are receiving even more valence electrons from another atom) i have seen examples where there are up to 8 electrons in the valence orbital . how can this be if by definition an orbital may only contain 2 electrons at a single time ???? this contradiction is preventing me from understanding atoms and thier electrons .. can somebody please clarify ?? thank you