Question

if a certain compound has a formula H2x,what is the valency of X

Answer 1

the here is oxygen and valency of x=2

Answer 2

The valency of the compound X is -2.

• The valency of any element is the number of electrons it will lose or gain to form a stable atom with other elements in compounds or molecules.

• In a given molecule a particular atom's valency can be found based on:

1. By knowing the valency of other elements involved in the molecule.
2. The total of the molecule is always zero for a stable molecule.
3. In this question, we know that the valency of hydrogen is 1 because it gains one electron to achieve its stability state.

=> 2 (valency of hydrogen)  + 1 (valency of X) = 0

=> 2 (1) + X = 0

=> X = -2

• Hence the valency of X is -2 because it gains two more electrons to achieve a stable octet.
• This element X is the main element of group 16 having six electrons in its outer shell.
• For example, oxygen.
• Hence, valency is -2 in this case.