VALENCIES Meaning and
Definition
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Valencies, in chemistry, refer to the combining capacities or the ability of an atom or molecule to form chemical bonds with other atoms or molecules. It is a measure of the number of electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share in order to complete its outermost energy level and achieve stability.
Valencies are determined by the number of valence electrons an atom possesses. Valence electrons are the electrons that reside in the outermost energy level or valence shell of an atom. The valence shell is responsible for chemical reactions and interactions with other atoms.
The valency of an atom or molecule can be positive or negative, integer or fractional. It is usually represented by a positive or negative number or Roman numeral. Positive valences indicate the number of electrons an atom can lose to form a positive ion, known as a cation. Negative valences represent the number of electrons an atom can gain to form a negative ion, called an anion.
Valency plays a crucial role in determining the type and strength of chemical bonds that can be formed between atoms. Elements with similar valencies often exhibit similar chemical properties and react in similar ways. Valencies are an essential concept in understanding chemical reactions, compound formation, and the behavior of atoms in compounds.
Common Misspellings for VALENCIES
Etymology of VALENCIES
The word "valencies" refers to the plural form of the noun "valency". The term "valency" originated from the word "valence", which dates back to the early 19th century. It was derived from the Latin word "valentia", meaning "power" or "capacity". In the context of chemistry, valency refers to the combining capacity of an atom and is used to describe the number of electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share when forming chemical compounds. Over time, the word "valence" was transformed into "valency" to denote this concept.
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