answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

In chemistry, valence usually refers to the valence electrons (VE), which are the outer electrons of an atom, ion, or compound. The most valence electrons any single atom can have is 8, allowing for a full octet. (Note: This "octet rule" generally does NOT apply to transition metals, lanthanides, or actinides because of their d and f energy sub-levels.) The valence electrons determine many of the characteristics of the atom, especially bond types and reactivity. For example, sodium (Na) has the atomic number 11. Its electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s1 (11 electrons). There is only one electron in sodium's outer shell, meaning there is only on evalence electron. The same goes for the remaining alkali metals (H, Li, K, etc.). The number of valence electrons can easily be determined by examining the Periodic Table of the elements. Group 1A (alkali) have one VE, Group 2A (alkaline) have two VE, Group 3A (aka group 13) have 3, 4A has 4... etc. Remember, this only applies to atoms with s and p outer shells. Because having eight valence electrons is desirable/ most stable, Na has the ability to give away its single valence electron to be more like neon (Ne), which has only 10 electrons. For this reason Na will give its electron to another atom in need, such as chlorine (Cl), with only 7 VE. Through this "ionic bond", both the Na and the Cl obtain a full octet.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

6mo ago

Valency in chemistry refers to the combining power of an element, which is determined by the number of electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share when forming chemical bonds with other atoms. It indicates how many bonds an atom can form to achieve a stable electron configuration.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

me and me

Lvl 2
4y ago

Valency electrons and the valence of an atom are different things. Valency electrons are the electrons in an atom's outer shell, while the valence of an atom determines how many atoms of an element a particular atom can combine with.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

valency is the number of free electrons in the last shell

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What is valency in chemistry?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Related questions

What is the meaning of valency?

Valency (in chemistry) is the number of the valence bonds of a chemical element.


Why are symbolsformula valency are important in chemistry?

because i dont know


Why are symbol formula valency important in chemistry?

It is the valence electrons that are the ones that react and combine in bonds in chemistry


What do the Roman numerals in chemistry equations mean?

They refer to the valency of the transition element which is included in the formula.


What is the name of a zinc ion?

name of zinc ion is chemistry is Zn +2.It has valency of 2 electrons.


What has the author Michael Francis O'Dwyer written?

Michael Francis O'Dwyer has written: 'Valency' -- subject(s): Valence (Theoretical chemistry)


What are the basics of chemistry?

frst , u should know the valency of the elements. then, study the Periodic Table and then, apply to ur equation and application.


How do you learn symbols and valencies?

You need to learn the symbols for the elements I am afraid. Start using a Periodic table (see the links below).You could also learn the valencies but if you know the periodic table and understand why elements appear where they do, you can work out the likely valencies from the positions of the elements in the table - they are where they are for a reason!You must ask your chemistry teacher to explain this reasoning to you - it should form part of your lessons.This will helpGroup number 1 = Valency 1group number 2 = valency 2group number 3 = valency 3group number 4 = valency 4group number 5 = valency 3group number 6 = valency 2group number 7 = valency 1group number 8 = valency 0 (noble gases, nonreactive)


What has the author JW Linnett written?

J.W Linnett has written: 'Wave mechanics and valency' -- subject(s): Wave mechanics, Valence (Theoretical chemistry)


What is the valency of lithium?

The valency of lithium is 1. It has one valence electron in its outer shell.


Radical - positive and negative radical in chemistry?

Valency is the number of hydrogen atoms that can combine with [or displace] one atom of the element [or radical] to form a compound. For example, one atom of hydrogen combines with one atom of chlorine to form hydrogen chloride [HCl]; so, the valency of chlorine [chloride] is one. Similarly, the valency of the nitrate radical [NO3] in the compound nitric acid [HNO3] is 1, and the valency of the sulfate radical in the compound sulfuric acid [H2SO4] is 2. For elements that do not combine with hydrogen, the valency is the combining power of the element with another element whose valency is known. Valency may also be defined as the number of electrons that an atom donates or accepts to form the duplet state (i.e., 2 electrons in outermost shell) or octet state (i.e., 8 electrons in outermost shell). The valency of an element [or radical] is always a whole number. Elements [or radicals] with valency one are monovalent, those with valency two are divalent, and those with valency three are trivalent


What is valency of argon?

Its valency is 0.