Question

The valency of ammonium ion is_____

Answer 1

Definition of Valency:

• Valency is the number of electrons in its outermost shell.
• Valency can also be defined as the number of electrons needed to complete the octet configuration or to fill the outermost shell.
• It is the number of electrons of an atom which uses to combine with atoms of another element.
• It is the combining power of an element.
• In an atom, the valence electrons are the electrons that can be used in combining with other atoms. they are lying in the valance shells(orbitals of the outermost shell).
• for example, Hydrogen has 1 electron, and its valency is one, one electron is needed to complete its outermost shell.

Ammonium ion

• It is an ion of ammonia ${\mathrm{NH}}_3$ carrying a positive charge. which means, ammonia gives 1 electron to another element.
• So the valency of ammonium ion ${\left({\mathrm{NH}}_4\right)}^{+}$ is 1
• Total valency can be calculated as adding the valency of nitrogen and hydrogen N= -3, H= +1 , valency of ammonium ion = -3 + (4 x +1) = -3+4= +1

The valency of ammonium ion is 1.