Question

The maximum covalency is equal to the number of:

• A. paired p-electrons
• B. unpaired s-electrons
• C. unpaired s-and p-electrons
• D. s-and p-electrons in the valence shell

Answer 1

The correct option is C unpaired s-and p-electrons

The maximum covalency (for elements not having d orbital) is equal to the total number of unpaired electrons in s-and p-orbitals in the valence shell.

Covalency is the valence characterized by the sharing of electrons in a chemical compound.

It is the number of covalent bonds formed by the atom of the element with other atoms. maximum covalency is equal to the number of valence electrons.

For example, Be contains 2 valence electrons (2 s electrons). Its maximum covalency is 2.