Question

Define the following terms with examples: Zerovalent

Answer 1

Zerovalent:

1. When an atom has eight electrons in its outermost shell it does not share or gain or lose any electrons i.e. its valency is zero. Such atoms having valency zero are known as zerovalent.
2. The exception is Helium $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{He}\mathbf{\right)}$ which has two electrons in its outermost shell and is zerovalent.

Example:

Neon $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{Ne}\mathbf{\right)}$:

1. Neon has atomic number $10$. Thus, the electronic configuration of Neon is $(2,8)$.
2. Neon atom does not share or gain or lose any electrons.
3. Thus, valency of Neon is zero and it is known as zerovalent.

All the noble gas elements such as Helium $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{He}\mathbf{\right)}$, Neon $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{Ne}\mathbf{\right)}$, Argon $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{Ar}\mathbf{\right)}$ are zerovalent.