Which of the following pair is a correct example, which shows number of Valency as 2?
- AOption (a)
Ammonium and sulphate
- BOption (b)
Sodium and sulphate
- COption (c)
Sulphate and sulphite
- DOption (d)
Phosphate and nitride
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Correct answer
Sulphate and sulphite
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Sulphate and Sulphite.
Key Points
- Valency: Valency refers to the combining capacity of an element or ion. It shows how many bonds an atom can form with other atoms.
- Sulphate (SO₄²⁻): The sulphate ion has a valency of 2 because it can accept two electrons to balance the charge, making it a divalent anion.
- Sulphite (SO₃²⁻): Similarly, the sulphite ion also has a valency of 2, as it can accept two electrons to balance its charge, making it a divalent anion.
- Ammonium (NH₄⁺): Ammonium is a monovalent cation, as it has a single positive charge. Hence, it does not have a valency of 2. This statement is incorrect.
- Sodium (Na⁺): Sodium is also a monovalent cation due to its single positive charge. It does not exhibit a valency of 2. This statement is incorrect.
- Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): Phosphate has a valency of 3 because it can accept three electrons to neutralize its charge. Hence, it is not a divalent ion. This statement is incorrect.
- Nitride (N³⁻): Nitride has a valency of 3 due to its ability to accept three electrons, making it trivalent. Thus, it is not a divalent ion. This statement is incorrect.
- Hence, the correct pair is Sulphate and Sulphite, as both exhibit a valency of 2.
Additional Information
- Valency and Chemical Bonding:
- Valency is determined by the number of electrons an atom can lose, gain, or share to achieve a stable electronic configuration.
- Elements with a valency of 2 often form ionic or covalent bonds by donating, accepting, or sharing two electrons.
- Examples of divalent ions include Calcium (Ca²⁺), Magnesium (Mg²⁺), Sulphate (SO₄²⁻), and Sulphite (SO₃²⁻).
- Sulphate vs Sulphite:
- Sulphate (SO₄²⁻): Sulphate consists of one sulphur atom surrounded by four oxygen atoms. It is commonly found in compounds like Gypsum (CaSO₄·2H₂O) and used in industries like cement production.
- Sulphite (SO₃²⁻): Sulphite consists of one sulphur atom surrounded by three oxygen atoms. It is used as a preservative in food and beverages to prevent oxidation.
- Both ions are divalent, meaning they can form two bonds in chemical reactions.
- Examples of Divalent Ions:
- Divalent ions are ions with a charge of ±2. Examples include Calcium (Ca²⁺), Magnesium (Mg²⁺), Sulphate (SO₄²⁻), and Sulphite (SO₃²⁻).
- These ions play crucial roles in various chemical reactions and biological processes, such as bone formation (Calcium) and enzyme activation (Magnesium).
- Trivalent and Monovalent Ions:
- Trivalent ions: Examples include Phosphate (PO₄³⁻) and Nitride (N³⁻). These ions can form three bonds in chemical reactions.
- Monovalent ions: Examples include Sodium (Na⁺) and Ammonium (NH₄⁺). These ions can form one bond due to their single charge.
- Applications of Sulphate and Sulphite:
- Sulphate: Used in industries for making fertilizers, detergents, and plaster of Paris.
- Sulphite: Commonly used as a food preservative to prevent spoilage and oxidation.
Important Points
- Understanding Valency:
- Valency is a fundamental concept in chemistry that explains the chemical behavior of elements and ions.
- It is essential for predicting the formulas of compounds and understanding chemical reactions.
- Significance in Industries:
- Divalent ions like sulphate and sulphite have significant industrial applications due to their chemical properties.
- For instance, sulphate is used in fertilizer production, while sulphite acts as a preservative in food manufacturing.