Question

The molecular formula of a compound can be determined by the valency of the elements present in the compound.

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is A True

Valence is the combining capacity of an atom of an element. We can derive the chemical formula using the valencies.

For example, the valence of oxygen is two and of hydrogen is one. So to form a neutral molecule, one oxygen atom combines with two hydrogen atoms. The two hydrogen atoms in the water molecule are indicated by subscript 2 and, so the molecular formula for water is $H_{2}O$. Thus without knowing the valence, we cannot decide how atoms of different elements will combine. So, the correct option is True.