Atomic number of sulphur is 16 i.e. (2,8,6) and oxygen has valency of 6 then how they both form sulphur dioxide i.e. SO2
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
The valency of an atom is the number of electrons present in the valence shell of the atom. These electrons are the most loosely held electrons in the atom and thus determine the properties of the element.
In a compound, the valency of an atom is the number of bonds it forms or the number of electrons involved in bonding, i.e., lost, shared, or gained. We know that the atomic number of Sulphur is 16 and the number of electrons in its valence shell is 6. So, generally, the valency of Sulphur must be 2, but it can show multiple valencies as well.
In Sulphur dioxide, Sulphur is bonded to 2 oxygen atoms. Oxygen is more electronegative than Sulphur and thus, shows a fixed valency of 2. As a result each oxygen forms two bonds with the Sulphur atom making its valency 4.
In Sulphur trioxide, Sulphur is bonded to 3 oxygen atoms. Oxygen is more electronegative than Sulphur and thus, shows a fixed valency of 2. As a result each oxygen forms two bonds with the Sulphur atom making its valency 6.