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The valency of an element refers to its combining capacity, determined by the number of electrons an atom gains, loses, or shares to achieve a stable electronic configuration. The valency of Chlorine (Cl), Sulphur (S), and Magnesium (Mg) can be found using their electronic configurations.
Complete Answer
1. Valency of Chlorine (Cl)
Atomic number: 17
Electronic configuration: 2, 8, 7
Chlorine needs 1 electron to complete its octet (8 electrons in the outer shell).
Valency of Chlorine = 1 (It gains 1 electron to form Cl⁻ in ionic bonding).
Example: Chlorine combines with sodium to form NaCl (Sodium chloride or table salt).
2. Valency of Sulphur (S)
Atomic number: 16
Electronic configuration: 2, 8, 6
Sulphur needs 2 electrons to complete its octet.
Valency of Sulphur = 2 (It gains 2 electrons to form S²⁻ in ionic bonding).
Example: Sulphur forms compounds like H₂S (Hydrogen sulphide) and SO₂ (Sulphur dioxide).
3. Valency of Magnesium (Mg)
Atomic number: 12
Electronic configuration: 2, 8, 2
Magnesium loses 2 electrons to achieve a stable configuration.
Valency of Magnesium = 2 (It loses 2 electrons to form Mg²⁺ in ionic bonding).
Example: Magnesium forms MgCl₂ (Magnesium chloride) and MgO (Magnesium oxide).
Did you know that magnesium burns with a bright white flame? This is why it is used in fireworks and flares! Understanding valency helps in predicting chemical bonding and reactions, making it essential in chemistry.
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