Question

What are radicals? Give two examples each of radicals with valency of 1 and 2.

Answer 1

Two or more atoms of elements behaving as a group or unit are called radicals. These radicals have a common valency with a net charge as a whole.

The examples are given below:

Radical ​ ​ ​ ​ Formula ​ ​ ​ ​Valency
Hydroxide ​ ​${\mathrm{OH}}^{-}$ 1
Nitrate ${\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-}$ 1
Sulphate ${\mathrm{SO}}_4^{2-}$ 2
Carbonate ${\mathrm{CO}}_3^{2-}$ 2
​​