CBSENEETJEEClass 9

How do you find the valency of an element?

Answer

Find the number of valence electrons; if it is 4 or fewer the valency equals that number, and if it is more than 4 the valency equals 8 minus the valence electrons.

The working

Write the configuration

Distribute the electrons of the atom into shells to find the number of electrons in the outermost shell.

Count valence electrons

The number of electrons in the outermost shell is the number of valence electrons.

Apply the rule

If valence electrons are 4 or less, valency = number of valence electrons; if more than 4, valency = 8 - valence electrons.

Example

Chlorine has 7 valence electrons, so its valency is 8 - 7 = 1.

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