CBSENEETJEEClass 9
What is the valency of oxygen?
Answer
The valency of oxygen is 2.
The working
Electronic configuration
Oxygen has atomic number 8, so its configuration is 2, 6 with six electrons in the outermost shell.
Electrons needed
It needs 2 more electrons to complete its octet of eight electrons.
Apply the rule
Since valence electrons are 6, valency = 8 - 6 = 2.
Confirmation
This is why oxygen forms H₂O, combining with two hydrogen atoms each of valency 1.
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