CBSENEETJEEClass 9
What is valency?
Answer
Valency is the combining capacity of an element, that is, the number of electrons an atom loses, gains, or shares to complete its octet.
The working
Definition
Valency is the number of chemical bonds an atom of an element can form, decided by the electrons in its outermost shell.
Based on octet
Atoms combine to achieve a stable, fully filled outermost shell of eight electrons (or two for the first shell).
How to work it out
If valence electrons are 4 or less, valency equals that number; if more than 4, valency equals 8 minus valence electrons.
Example
Sodium has 1 valence electron so its valency is 1, while oxygen has 6 so its valency is 8 - 6 = 2.
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