Question

How are the element that exhibit variable valency named? Explain in detail.

Answer 1

Valency: The valency of an element is defined as the measure of its combining capacity with other atoms when it forms chemical compounds or molecules.

The naming of the element having variable valency:

• Certain elements possess more than one valence, which is termed variable valency.
• If an element exhibits two different positive valencies, then the suffix “ous” is used to indicate lower valency, and the suffix “ic” is used to indicate the higher valency.
• Example: Iron($\mathrm{Fe}$), for the lower valency, the suffix “ous” is added- Ferrous (${\mathrm{Fe}}^{2+}$). For the higher valency “-ic” is added- Ferric $\left({\mathrm{Fe}}^{3+}\right)$.

Therefore, the Suffix “ic” or “ous” is added to define variable valency.