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Chemistry - The valence of atoms

The valence of atoms

Knowing the valency (or valencies, Note: some atoms have more than one
valence number) of atoms allows us to determine how the atoms will react
and combine with each other to form compounds.

To work out the valence number of an atom:

* Examine the orbital structure.

* Decide whether the atom will lose or gain electrons to attain a stable
outer shell.

* Decide how many electrons it will have to lose or gain.

* If it is losing electrons then it will have a positive charge. If it is
gaining electrons, then it will have a negative charge.

* The valence number will correspond with the number of electrons lost or
gained.

* The valence number is then written as a superscript.

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