Study Guides/Chemistry/Valency of Common Ions
Study Guide · Chemistry

Valency of Sodium, Calcium, Ammonium, Nitrate, and Sulphate

Knowing the valency (combining capacity) of common ions is essential for writing correct chemical formulas in Class 9 and 10 Chemistry.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the valency of sulphate?

Answer

The valency of sulphate (SO₄²⁻) is −2 (divalent anion).

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Key Facts

Sodium (Na): +1

Calcium (Ca): +2

Ammonium (NH₄): +1

Nitrate (NO₃): −1

Sulphate (SO₄): −2

Valency of Common Ions

Monovalent (Valency = 1):

  • Sodium (Na⁺): Valency = +1
  • Ammonium (NH₄⁺): Valency = +1
  • Nitrate (NO₃⁻): Valency = −1
  • Chloride (Cl⁻): Valency = −1

Divalent (Valency = 2):

  • Calcium (Ca²⁺): Valency = +2
  • Magnesium (Mg²⁺): Valency = +2
  • Sulphate (SO₄²⁻): Valency = −2
  • Oxide (O²⁻): Valency = −2

Trivalent (Valency = 3):

  • Aluminium (Al³⁺): Valency = +3
  • Phosphate (PO₄³⁻): Valency = −3

How to Use Valency to Write Formulas

Example: Write the formula of Calcium Nitrate.

  • Calcium: Ca²⁺ (valency 2)
  • Nitrate: NO₃⁻ (valency 1)
  • Cross the valencies: Ca(NO₃)₂
  • Formula: Ca(NO₃)₂

Questions and Answers

What is the valency of sulphate?+

The valency of sulphate (SO₄²⁻) is −2 (divalent anion).

What is the valency of ammonium?+

The valency of ammonium (NH₄⁺) is +1 (monovalent cation).

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