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Define valency by taking examples of silicon and oxygen.

Answer:

The valency of an atom refers to its ability to combine with other atoms. The valency of an element determines the number of bonds that an atom can make as part of a complex.

The value of silicon

Silicon has an atomic number of 14.

The element’s electronic configuration is K=2, L=8, M=4.

Because silicon is a noble gas, it may either gain or lose four electrons, hence its valency is either +4 or -4 depending on the electrical configuration.

As a result, silicon has a valency of 4.

Oxygen concentration

Oxygen has an atomic number of 8.

K=2, L=6 is the electronic configuration.

The valency of oxygen is 6 according to the electrical arrangement, although it is far easier for oxygen to obtain 2 electrons rather than lose 6 electrons.

As a result, oxygen has a valency of -2.