Valency
Valency (medicine)
Valency (pronounced: /ˈvælənsi/) is a term used in medicine and biochemistry to describe the combining power of an element or radical, which determines the number of atoms with which an atom of the element can combine or the number of places an existing molecule can form new bonds.
Etymology
The term "valency" originates from the Latin word valentia, meaning "strength". It was first used in the mid-19th century to describe the power of an element to combine with other elements.
Related Terms
- Covalency: The number of pairs of electrons an atom can share with other atoms.
- Divalent: Having a valency of two.
- Monovalent: Having a valency of one.
- Polyvalent: Having a valency of more than one.
- Valence electron: An electron in the outer shell of an atom which can participate in forming chemical bonds with other atoms.
- Valence shell: The outermost shell of an atom in its uncombined state, which contains the electrons most likely to account for the nature of any reactions involving the atom and of the bonding interactions it has with other atoms.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Valency
- Wikipedia's article - Valency
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