VALENCE Meaning and
Definition
-
Valence, in chemistry, refers to the combining capacity of an atom or a group of atoms. It relates to the number of electrons that an atom can gain, lose, or share in order to form chemical bonds with other atoms. Valence plays a crucial role in determining the chemical properties and behavior of elements and compounds.
Valence can be categorized into different types. For example, the valence of an element can refer to the number of electrons present in its outermost shell or energy level, known as the valence shell. This is commonly referred to as the normal valence. Additionally, there is the variable valence, which describes elements that can exhibit multiple valences depending on the specific compound formed. Examples of elements with variable valence include iron, copper, and manganese.
Valence can also be applied to describe the type of bond formed between atoms. When atoms share electrons in a bond, it is called covalent bonding, and the valence electrons are shared between the atoms involved. On the other hand, ionic bonding occurs when atoms transfer electrons, resulting in the formation of charged ions. In this case, the valence refers to the charge that an atom achieves by gaining or losing electrons.
Understanding valence is crucial for predicting how atoms will interact with each other and determine the composition and behavior of chemical compounds. It is a fundamental concept in chemical bonding and key to comprehending the organization and reactivity of matter.
-
• A piece of drapery hanging round the head of a bed, or from the head of window-curtains.
• To decorate with fringed drapery.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for VALENCE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for VALENCE
Etymology of VALENCE
The word "valence" originated from the Latin word "valentia", which means "power" or "capacity". In the field of chemistry, the concept of "valence" emerged in the mid-19th century to describe the combining power of an element, specifically the number of hydrogen atoms that an atom can unite with or displace in a compound. The term was popularized by the Swedish chemist Jöns Jacob Berzelius, who introduced the modern understanding of valence. The word "valence" is still widely used in chemistry to indicate the combining capacity of an element.
Similar spelling words for VALENCE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
