What is the definition of valency in chemistry?
The number of unpaired electrons in an atom’s outermost shell is known as valency. This cannot be higher than 8. Up to a valency of 3, the atoms shed the electrons and become charged. The atom that accepts these electrons has an equal and opposite charge and they combine together to form an ionic bond. At a valency of 4, the atoms form a co-valent bond, which is weaker than an ionic bond. From a valency of 5 to 8, the atoms accept electrons and become charged, and form an ionic bond with those atoms that “donate” the electrons. Hope this helps.
