Study Guides/Chemistry/Valency of Key Elements
Study Guide · Chemistry

Valency of Potassium, Lead, Bromide and Key Elements

Valency is the combining capacity of an element — the number of electrons an atom needs to gain, lose, or share to achieve a stable configuration. Here are the key valencies you need for CBSE exams.

Question (Click to Flip)

What is the valency of potassium?

Answer

The valency of potassium (K) is 1. It loses its single outermost electron to form the K⁺ ion.

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Key Facts

Potassium Valency: 1 (loses 1 electron to form K⁺).

Lead Valency: 2 or 4 (variable).

Bromide Ion Valency: 1 (gains 1 electron).

Variable Valency: Common in transition metals (Fe, Cu, Pb, Cr).

Valency Table of Key Elements

ElementSymbolValency
PotassiumK1
LeadPb2 or 4 (Variable)
Bromine (Bromide ion)Br / Br⁻1
SodiumNa1
CalciumCa2
AluminiumAl3
NitrogenN3 or 5
OxygenO2
ChlorineCl1

Why does Lead have Variable Valency?

Lead (Pb) is a transition element that can form two stable compounds:

  • Lead(II) or Plumbous (Pb²⁺): Valency = 2. Example: PbO (Lead monoxide).
  • Lead(IV) or Plumbic (Pb⁴⁺): Valency = 4. Example: PbO₂ (Lead dioxide).

Bromide Ion

Bromine (Br) has 7 electrons in its outermost shell. It gains 1 electron to become the stable Bromide ion (Br⁻), giving it a valency of 1.

Questions and Answers

What is the valency of potassium?+

The valency of potassium (K) is 1. It loses its single outermost electron to form the K⁺ ion.

What is the valency of lead (Pb)?+

Lead has variable valency — it can be 2 (Plumbous/Pb²⁺) or 4 (Plumbic/Pb⁴⁺).

What is the valency of bromide?+

The bromide ion (Br⁻) has a valency of 1, as bromine gains 1 electron to complete its outermost shell.

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