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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Valency and Oxidation Number?

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The main difference between valency and oxidation number lies in their definitions and the concepts they describe:

  • Valency refers to the maximum number of electrons an atom can lose, gain, or share to become stable. It is the number of electrons present in the outermost shell of a particular element. Valency is mainly related to the formation of covalent bonds. For example, nitrogen has a valency of 3.
  • Oxidation Number refers to the number of electrons an atom can lose or gain to form a bond with another atom. It is the hypothetical charge of an atom in a molecule or ion, and it is a measure of its apparent capacity to gain or lose electrons within that species. Oxidation numbers are mainly related to the formation of ionic bonds. For example, nitrogen can have oxidation numbers from -3 to +5.

In summary, valency is the number of electrons an atom can lose, gain, or share to become stable, while oxidation number is the number of electrons an atom can lose or gain to form a bond with another atom. Valency is mainly associated with covalent bonds, whereas oxidation numbers are mainly associated with ionic bonds.

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  • What is the Difference Between Valency and Oxidation Number?
  • Comparative Table: Valency vs Oxidation Number

    • Comparative Table: Valency vs Oxidation Number

    Here is a table comparing the differences between valency and oxidation number:

    Property Valency Oxidation Number
    Definition Valency is the maximum number of electrons an atom can lose, gain, or share to become stable. Oxidation number is the number of electrons an atom can lose or gain to form a bond with another atom.
    Relation to Electronic Configuration Valency is related to the number of electrons in an atom's outermost shell. Oxidation number is related to the hypothetical charge of an atom in a molecule or ion.
    Sign Valency has no sign. Oxidation number can have a positive, negative, or zero sign.
    Periodic Table Elements in the same group have the same valency. Oxidation number depends on the specific compound and the bonding arrangement.
    Examples - Hydrogen: Valency = 1, Oxidation Number = +1 (in HCl). - Oxygen: Valency = 2, Oxidation Number = -2 (in H2O). - Carbon: Valency = 4, Oxidation Number = +4 (in CO2).

    In summary, valency refers to the maximum number of electrons an atom can lose, gain, or share to become stable, whereas oxidation number refers to the number of electrons an atom can lose or gain to form a bond with another atom. Valency is related to the number of electrons in an atom's outermost shell, while oxidation number is related to the hypothetical charge of an atom in a molecule or ion.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.