valency

views updated May 08 2018

valency The bonding potential of an atom, measured by the number of hydrogen ions (valency 1) that the atom could combine with or replace. In an ionic compound the valency (electrovalency) equals the ionic charge on each ion, e.g. in the compound MgO, Mg2+ shows a valency of +2, O2− a valency of −2. In a covalent compound the valency (covalency) of an atom is equal to the number of bonds it forms, e.g. in CH4 carbon has a valency of 4, hydrogen a valency of 1.

A Dictionary of Earth Sciences AILSA ALLABY and MICHAEL ALLABY

valency

views updated May 21 2018

valency (chem.) capacity of an atom to combine with other atoms. XIX. — late L. valentia power, competence, f. valēre be powerful; see -ENCY.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

valency

views updated May 21 2018

valency A measure of the number of other ions of a chemical element that can be combined with a particular atom.

A Dictionary of Plant Sciences MICHAEL ALLABY

valency

views updated Jun 11 2018

valency A measure of the number of other ions in a chemical element that can be combined with a particular atom.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

valency

views updated May 11 2018

valency A measure of the number of other ions of a chemical element that can be combined with a particular atom.

A Dictionary of Ecology MICHAEL ALLABY

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