Here's why:

* Electron Configuration: Neon's electron configuration is 1s² 2s² 2p⁶.

* Valence Shell: The outermost electron shell (the 2nd shell in this case) is considered the valence shell.

* Valence Electrons: The electrons in the valence shell are the valence electrons. In neon, the 2nd shell has 8 electrons (2s² 2p⁶).

Neon is a noble gas and has a full outer shell, making it very stable and unreactive.