Question

Explain the electrovalency with two examples.

Answer 1

Electrovalency:

1. When an element combines with another element by gaining or losing electrons, then its valency is called electrovalency.
2. The losing or gaining of electrons in an element occurs to achieve the nearest noble gas configuration to become stable.
3. The compound formed is an electrovalent or ionic compound.
4. The elements either lose or gain electrons to achieve the nearest noble gas configuration to become stable.
5. The elements that lose electrons form a positive ion and have positive electrovalency.
6. The elements that gain electrons form a negative ion and have negative electrovalency.

Electrovalency of Magnesium:

1. The atomic number of Magnesium is $12$.
2. The electronic configuration of Magnesium is $(2,8,2)$.
3. Magnesium has $2$ electrons in the valence shell.
4. Magnesium loses two electrons to form magnesium ion $\left({\mathrm{Mg}}^{2+}\right)$ in order to achieve the nearest inert gas (neon) configuration.
5. As magnesium loses $2$electrons, the electrovalency of chlorine is $+2$.

Electrovalency of Chlorine:

1. The atomic number of Chlorine is $17$.
2. The electronic configuration of Chlorine is $(2,8,7)$.
3. Chlorine has $7$ electrons in the valence shell.
4. Chlorine needs one more electron to form a chlorine ion $\left({\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\right)$ in order to achieve the nearest inert gas (argon) configuration.
5. As chlorine gains $1$electron, the electrovalency of chlorine is $-1$.