Question

What is the valency of Magnesium?

• A. 1
• B. 2
• C. 3
• D. 4

Answer 1

The correct option is B

2

Explanation:

• Valency is the combining tendency of an element or radical. It is the number of electrons lost or gained by an atom of an element in order to complete its octet and attain stability.
• Magnesium ($\mathrm{Mg}$) has an atomic number $12$.
• So, the electronic configuration of magnesium is$1{\mathrm{s}}^{2}2{\mathrm{s}}^{2}2{\mathrm{p}}^{6}3{\mathrm{s}}^2$.
• There are $2$ electrons in the valence shell so to complete its octet and attain a stable outermost shell configuration magnesium loses two electrons. So, valency of magnesium is $2$.

Hence option (B) is the correct answer. The valency of Magnesium is $\mathbf{2}$.