Question

Calcium is an element with atomic number 20.

(b) What is its valency?

Answer 1

Valency of Ca:

1. The valency of an element is the number of electrons it gain or lose to complete its octet.
2. Metals lose electrons and non-metals gain electron. Calcium is a metal.
3. Electronic configuration of Calcium is $2,8,8,2.$
4. The calcium element has 2 valence electrons, and to fulfill its octet it will lose electrons and it easier to lose 2 electrons rather than accepting 6 electrons.
5. As it loses 2 electrons, its valency will be 2.