Question

The valency of Cu in cuprous chloride $\left(C{u}_{2}C{l}_2\right)$ is 1.

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is A True

Electronic configuration of copper valence shell is $3d^{10}4s^1$.

Electronic configuration of chlorine valence shell is $3s^{2}3p^5$.

Chlorine gains one electron of copper and forms stable electronic configuration i.e. attains noble gas configuration $n{s}^{2}n{p}^6$. While copper looses $1$ electron and attains stability, $3d^{10}$ configuration is more stable than $3d^{10}4s^1$.

Copper valency can also be calculated by formula:-

$CuC{l}_2=0$ [Overall charge is neutral]

$\Rightarrow 2\times x+2\times (-1)=0$ [x=valency of copper and (-1) charge of chlorine]

$\Rightarrow 2x+(-2)=0$

$\Rightarrow 2x=+2$

$\therefore x=\frac{2}{2}=1$

Hence, valency of $Cu$ in cuprous chloride is $1$.