Valency of nonmetals

The number of electrons accepted by a non metal is called valency of the non metal. For example, one atom of chlorine accepts 1 electron to form a negative chloride ion (Cl^–), so chlorine is a non-metal. Here because an atom of chlorine gains 1 electron so the valency of chlorine is 1.

Cl      +      e^–      →      Cl^–

In the same way, an atom of oxygen gains 2 electrons so its valency is 2.

O      +      2e^–      →      O^2-

Test your understanding and answer these questions:

1. What is valency of nonmetals?