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Question

Define valency by taking examples of silicon and oxygen.


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Solution

Valency:

  • The combining capacity of the atom of an element is called its valency.
  • It is always a whole number.
  • Valency varies from 1 to 8.
  • Valency is always positive.
  • An element with a valency is one called monovalent, with two called divalent.
  • The valency of noble gases is zero.

Valency of Silicon:

  • The atomic number of silicon is 14.
  • The electronic configuration of the silicon is 1s22s22p63s23p2.
  • Valency = 8 - valence shell electron.
  • In a silicon atom, the outermost orbital contains 4 electrons, therefore its valency is 4.

Valency of Oxygen:

  • The atomic number of oxygen is 8.
  • The electronic configuration of oxygen is 1s22s22p4.
  • In an oxygen atom, the outermost orbital contains 6 electrons.
  • If an element contains more than 4 electrons in its outermost shell then the valency of an element can be calculated as:
  • Valency = 8 - valence shell electron.
  • Therefore, the valency of the oxygen atom is 8-6=2.

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