VALENCY ELECTRON Meaning and
Definition
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Valency electron refers to an electron that is found in the outermost energy level or shell of an atom. These electrons are involved in chemical bonding and are responsible for the atom's reactivity. Valency electrons play a crucial role in determining the chemical properties of an element.
The valency electron count of an atom is determined by the periodic table group it belongs to. Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties due to having the same number of valency electrons. For example, all elements in Group 1 have one valency electron, while those in Group 2 have two.
The valency electron count can determine the type of chemical bonds that an atom can form. Atoms with one or two valency electrons tend to lose them to form positive ions, while atoms with six or seven valency electrons typically gain electrons to form negative ions. This tendency to either gain or lose electrons is driven by the goal of achieving a stable electron configuration, usually similar to that of a noble gas.
Valency electrons are of great importance in the formation of chemical compounds, as they determine an atom's ability to participate in chemical reactions. The interaction of valency electrons from different atoms allows for the sharing, gaining, or losing of electrons, forming ionic, covalent, or metallic bonds, respectively. Understanding the valency electron count of different atoms helps in predicting their behavior and chemical reactions, aiding in fields such as material science, drug discovery, and environmental studies.
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One of the electrons which take part in the chemical reaction of the atom.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for VALENCY ELECTRON
- valency electrnn
- valency electrof
- valency electrol
- valency electroo
- v alency electron
- va lency electron
- val ency electron
- vale ncy electron
- valen cy electron
- valenc y electron
- valency e lectron
- valency el ectron
- valency ele ctron
- valency elec tron
- valency elect ron
- valency electr on
- valency electro n
Etymology of VALENCY ELECTRON
The term "valency electron" comes from two sources: "valency" and "electron".
The term "valency" originates from the Latin word "valentia", meaning "power, capacity, or value". It was first introduced by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius in the early 19th century. Berzelius used this term to describe the combining power of elements when they form compounds. Valency refers to the number of electrons an atom can accept, lose, or share to form chemical bonds with other atoms. It helps determine an atom's ability to combine with other atoms and form stable compounds.
The word "electron" stems from the ancient Greek term "ēlektron", which means "amber". Amber is a fossilized tree resin that, when rubbed with cloth, produces an electrostatic charge that attracts smaller objects.
Similar spelling word for VALENCY ELECTRON
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