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Question

What is the valency of the element?


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Solution

Valency:

  • An element’s combining capacity is known as its valency.
  • The valency of the element represents the number of bonds that an atom can form as part of a compound.

How to find the valency of an element:

  • The valency of an element depends on the electrons present in the outermost shell, that is, valence electrons.
  • An element always tries to attain stability by gaining or losing electrons to obtain the octet (8 electrons in the outermost shell). So the number of valence electrons can vary from 1 to 8.
  • If the valence electrons of the element vary from 1 to 4. Then, the valence of electrons itself is their valency.
  • If the valence electrons are more than 4, subtract the number of valence electrons from the 8 (octet).

Example:

  • Sodium (Na) has a total of 11 electrons since its atomic number is 11.
  • Electronic configuration of Na is 1s22s22p63s1.
  • It will one electron to attain stable electronic configuration.
  • Hence, the valency of sodium is 1.

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