Chemistry

Valency

Chapter: Atomic Structure & Laws

Question 1 of 5 NDA MCQ

 Which one of the following is the correctmolecular formula of ammonium carbonateif the valency of ammonium ion is (+1) andcarbonate anion is (–2)?

Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer

✓ Option A: (NH₄)₂CO₃ is correct.

📖 Governing Law / Core Concept

The molecular formula of a compound is determined by the valence (or charge) of its constituent ions. For ammonium (NH₄⁺) and carbonate (CO₃²⁻), balancing their charges yields the formula.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

Given:

  • Valency of Ammonium ion: +1 (NH₄⁺)
  • Valency of Carbonate ion: -2 (CO₃²⁻)

The charges must be balanced in the compound:

\[(x)(+1) + (y)(-2) = 0\]

Let x = number of ammonium ions and y = number of carbonate ions:

\[\text{Therefore, from charge balance: } 2(+1) + 1(-2) = 0\]

This means:

\(x = 2, \, y = 1\)

The final molecular formula is:

\[(NH₄)₂CO₃\]

🔍 Option Analysis

  • Option A: (NH₄)₂CO₃ - Correct formula with balanced charges.
  • Option B: NH₄(CO₃)₂ - Indicates incorrect composition, suggesting two carbonate ions.
  • Option C: (NH₃)₂CO₂ - Does not represent ammonium; incorrect.
  • Option D: NH₄CO₃ - Incorrect ratio; lacks charge balance.

⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: "Ammonium and Carbonate, pair them to get rates!" For charge balancing, always cross-multiply the valencies.

📊 Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A diagram illustrating the balance of charges between the ammonium and carbonate ions, showing one carbonate ion attracting two ammonium ions to form the compound.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XI Chemistry, Chapter on States of Matter.

Question 2 of 5 NDA MCQ

Which one of the following is the correct orderof the valencies of elements Ne, Si, N and Mg?

Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer

✓ Option A is correct. Neon (Ne) has 0 valency as a noble gas, while Mg, N, and Si have increasing valencies of 2, 3, and 4, respectively.

📖 Governing Law / Core Concept

The valency of an element signifies its ability to bond with other elements, often reflecting the number of electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share. Noble gases like Neon have a full outer shell, resulting in a valency of 0.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

  • Neon (Ne): Electron configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p6. Valency = 0 (inert).
  • Magnesium (Mg): Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s2. Valency = 2 (loses 2 electrons).
  • Nitrogen (N): Electron configuration: 1s2 2s2 2p3. Valency = 3 (gains 3 electrons to achieve stability).
  • Silicon (Si): Electron configuration: [Ne] 3s2 3p2. Valency = 4 (can share or lose up to 4 electrons).

Thus, synthesizing these valencies gives the order: Ne < Mg < N < Si.

🔍 Option Analysis

Option B: Incorrect, as it claims Si has a lower valency than N and Mg. Option C: Incorrect, as it misplaces Ne in the order. Option D: Incorrect, placing Mg inaccurately relative to Ne and N.

⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: Noble gases are inert; Metals lose, Nonmetals gain! Valency acronym: N < Mg < Si < Ne.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

Consider a periodic table highlighting the noble gases in green and their respective valencies with arrows indicating electron loss or gain.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class XI Chemistry Chapter on Chemical Bonding and Molecular Structure.

Question 3 of 5 NDA MCQ

Which of the following anions has a valency of –3?

Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer

✓ Option A is correct. The nitride ion has a valency of -3.

📖 Governing Law / Core Concept

The valency of an ion indicates its capacity to combine with other ions, specifically the number of electrons gained (for anions) to reach stability. The nitride ion (N³⁻) has a valency of -3, indicating it has accepted three electrons.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

Nitrogen (N) has an atomic number of 7 and an electron configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p³. To achieve a stable octet, nitrogen needs to gain three electrons.

\[ N + 3e^- \rightarrow N^{3-} \]

This reaction shows nitrogen gaining three electrons to form the nitride ion with a charge of -3.

🔍 Option Analysis

  • Nitrate (NO₃⁻): Valency -1.
  • Sulphide (S²⁻): Valency -2.
  • Sulphate (SO₄²⁻): Valency -2.

⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: "Nitrate's one, Sulfate's two, but Nitride is the three!" This phrase helps quickly recall the valency of these anions.

6. Visual Suggestion

A diagram illustrating the electron configuration of nitrogen and the formation of the nitride ion would help visualize how three electrons are gained to achieve a valency of -3.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class X Chemistry, Chapter 4 (Structure of Atom).

Question 4 of 5 NDA MCQ

Which one of the following has the valency of 3?

Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer

✓ Option (C) is correct. Nitrogen has a valency of 3.

📖 Governing Law / Core Concept

The valency of an element is the number of electrons it can lose, gain, or share to achieve a stable electronic configuration, typically achieving an octet.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

Elements have distinct valencies based on their group in the periodic table:

  • Carbon (C): Group 14, valency = 4
  • Oxygen (O): Group 16, valency = 2
  • Nitrogen (N): Group 15, valency = 3
  • Sodium (Na): Group 1, valency = 1

Nitrogen's electronic configuration is \( 1s^2 2s^2 2p^3 \), allowing it to share or gain three electrons to achieve a full octet. This is represented in the reaction with hydrogen:

\[ N + 3H_2 \rightarrow 2NH_3 \]

🔍 Option Analysis

Option A: Carbon - Valency of 4, forms four bonds.
Option B: Oxygen - Valency of 2, forms two bonds.
Option D: Sodium - Valency of 1, forms one bond.

⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Mnemonic: "Cathy Likes Nitrogen Soup" - Carbon (4), Lithium (1), Nitrogen (3), Sodium (1).

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A comparison table illustrating elements, their group numbers, and their respective valencies would provide clarity.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 11 Chemistry, Chapter 3 (Classification of Elements).

Question 5 of 5 NDA MCQ

For aluminium (Al) (atomic number: 13, massnumber: 27), which one of the following statements is NOT correct?

Detailed Explanation

Correct Answer

✓ Option D is correct. The valency of Al is 3, not 2.

📖 Governing Law / Core Concept

The valency of an element is determined by its ability to lose, gain, or share electrons in chemical reactions. For aluminium (Al), the electronic configuration supports a valency of +3.

🧪 Step-by-Step Breakdown

Given:

  • Atomic number of Al = 13 (indicating 13 protons and electrons).
  • Mass number of Al = 27.
  • Number of neutrons = Mass number - Atomic number = 27 - 13 = 14.

Aluminium electron configuration:

\[ \text{Electron Configuration: } 1s^2 2s^2 2p^6 3s^2 3p^1 \]

Valency Calculation:

Aluminium has three valence electrons (2 in 3s and 1 in 3p) allowing its ionization to a stable +3 ion.

\[ \text{Al} \rightarrow \text{Al}^{3+} + 3e^- \]

🔍 Option Analysis

  • Option A: Correct — Aluminium has 13 electrons.
  • Option B: Correct — Aluminium has 13 protons.
  • Option C: Correct — Aluminium has 14 neutrons.
  • Option D: Incorrect — Valency of Al is 3, not 2.

⚡ Mnemonic / Speed-Run

Remember: "Aluminium loses three" to recall Al's valency of +3.

6. Visual Suggestion

6. Visual Suggestion

A periodic table highlighting aluminium's position, showing its electron configuration and valency to illustrate its chemical behavior and stability.

📖 Factual Verification & Reference:

Verified against NCERT Class 10 Science, Chapter 4 (Chemical Substances - Nature & Behaviour).

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