Question

Define the term valency of an element. Can it be a fractional number?

Answer 1

• Valency is the combining power of an element
• Elements of the same group in the periodic table have same valency.
• We can also explain valency as, it will be equal to the number of electrons gained, lost or shared by an atom of an element to achieve the nearest noble gas configuration.
• Example:sodium has 11 electrons, electronic configuration:2, 8, 1.Hence its valency will be one.
• Valency is always whole number as it specifies the number of gained or lost electrons.Hence it cannot be a fractional number.