Define valency by taking examples of silicon and oxygen.
Valency is the combining capacity of an atom. Atomic number of oxygen = 8 Atomic number of silicon = 14 K L M Electronic configuration of oxygen = 2 6 – Electronic configuration of silicon = 2 8 4 In the atoms of oxygen the valence electrons are 6 (i.e., electrons in the outermost shell). To fill the orbit, 2 electrons are required. In the atom of silicon, the valence electrons are 4. To fill this orbit 4 electrons are required. Hence, the combining capacity of oxygen is 2 and of silicon is 4. i.e., Valency of oxygen = 2 Valency of silicon = 4
