Valency vs. Covalency: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on October 22, 2023
Valency refers to the combining capacity of an atom, while covalency denotes the number of electron pairs an atom can share with another atom.
Key Differences
Valency is a measure of an atom's ability to bond with other atoms, representing the total number of electrons an atom can lose, gain, or share to achieve a full outer shell. Covalency, on the other hand, specifically refers to the number of electron pairs an atom shares in covalent bonds.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
While valency gives a broader perspective on how atoms can combine, either through ionic or covalent bonds, covalency is strictly related to covalent bonding. It's worth noting that while all atoms exhibit valency, covalency is pertinent only when discussing non-metallic atoms or those involved in covalent bonding.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
To sum up, valency is a generic term encompassing an atom's overall combining power, whereas covalency zeroes in on the sharing of electron pairs in covalent bonds.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Comparison Chart
Definition
Combining capacity of an atom
Number of electron pairs an atom can share
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Oct 22, 2023
Scope
Can pertain to both ionic and covalent bonds
Pertains only to covalent bonds
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Oct 22, 2023
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Reflects
Total electrons an atom can lose, gain, or share
Electron pairs an atom shares in covalent bonds
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Oct 22, 2023
Relation with Stability
Achieving a full outer shell
Achieving a stable configuration through shared pairs
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Valency and Covalency Definitions
Valency
The combining power of an element.
Hydrogen has a valency of 1 as it can form one bond.
Huma Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Covalency
Pertains to non-metallic atoms in covalent bonds.
The covalency of nitrogen in ammonia is 3.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
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Valency
Indicates the number of bonds an atom can form.
Carbon, having a valency of 4, can form four bonds.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Covalency
A measure specific to covalent bonding.
Hydrogen's covalency is 1, as seen in molecular hydrogen.
Huma Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Valency
Represents how atoms achieve a full outer electron shell.
Sodium loses an electron to achieve stability, reflecting its valency of 1.
Sara Rehman
Oct 22, 2023
Covalency
The number of electron pairs an atom shares.
Oxygen has a covalency of 2 in a water molecule.
Sara Rehman
Oct 22, 2023
Valency
The number of electrons an atom can lose, gain, or share.
Oxygen, with a valency of 2, can share two electrons.
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Oct 22, 2023
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Covalency
Reflects how atoms share electrons for stability.
Carbon exhibits a covalency of 4 in methane.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Valency
A concept relevant to both ionic and covalent bonding.
The valency of chlorine is 1, whether in ionic bonds with metals or covalent bonds with non-metals.
Sara Rehman
Oct 22, 2023
Covalency
The maximum number of covalent bonds an atom can form.
In carbon dioxide, carbon's covalency is 2 with each oxygen atom.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Covalency
Valence characterized by the sharing of electrons in a chemical compound; the number of pairs of electrons an atom can share
Sumera Saeed
Oct 25, 2019
FAQs
Can metals exhibit valency?
Yes, metals can exhibit valency, typically losing electrons in ionic bonds.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Can covalency be zero?
No, if an atom forms a covalent bond, it must share at least one pair of electrons.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Are covalent bonds formed only between non-metals?
Primarily, covalent bonds are between non-metals, but exceptions exist.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
What does valency represent?
Valency represents the combining capacity of an atom.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Can an atom's valency change?
Yes, certain elements can exhibit variable valency based on different conditions.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Is valency always a whole number?
Generally, valency is a whole number, but there are exceptions, especially in coordination compounds.
Sara Rehman
Oct 22, 2023
Can an atom have a different valency and covalency?
Yes, as valency considers all bonding types while covalency focuses only on covalent bonds.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
Is valency related to the atomic number?
Not directly, but valency is influenced by the number of valence electrons, which relates to an atom's position in the periodic table.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Do all atoms have valency?
Nearly all atoms exhibit valency, except noble gases which generally don't form bonds due to their full outer shells.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
What is the significance of covalency in molecules?
Covalency indicates the sharing of electrons, leading to the formation and properties of covalent molecules.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
What does covalency focus on?
Covalency focuses on the number of electron pairs an atom shares in covalent bonds.
Huma Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
How is valency determined?
Valency is determined by the number of electrons an atom can lose, gain, or share to achieve a full outer shell.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
How does valency relate to chemical reactions?
Valency helps predict how and with what atoms an element will react.
Sara Rehman
Oct 22, 2023
Does valency affect physical properties?
Indirectly, valency affects molecular structure, which in turn can influence physical properties.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 22, 2023
How is covalency related to molecular geometry?
Covalency can influence molecular geometry by determining how many atoms are bonded to a central atom.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
How is valency used in writing chemical formulas?
Valency helps determine the ratio in which atoms combine to form compounds.
Sara Rehman
Oct 22, 2023
Can covalency influence chemical reactivity?
Yes, the number and nature of covalent bonds can impact how a molecule reacts with other substances.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
Which elements typically have a covalency of 1?
Hydrogen and halogens typically have a covalency of 1.
Janet White
Oct 22, 2023
Why is covalency important in organic chemistry?
Covalency is crucial in organic chemistry as it deals predominantly with covalent bonds between carbon and other non-metals.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 22, 2023
Is covalency always fixed for an element?
Generally, covalency remains consistent, but exceptions can arise in certain molecular structures.
Harlon Moss
Oct 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
