Understanding Valency
Valency refers to the combining capacity of an element, which indicates how many electrons an atom can gain, lose, or share when forming a compound.
Element X and Y
- Element X: Valency of 1
- Element Y: Valency of 2
Determining the Compound Formula
To find the chemical formula of the compound formed by elements X and Y, we need to balance their valencies.
- Element X can combine with one atom of another element since its valency is 1.
- Element Y, with a valency of 2, can combine with two atoms of element X.
Combining the Elements
To ensure that the total positive and negative charges balance out, we can use the following process:
- Since Y has a valency of 2, it will require two atoms of X to balance its charge.
- Therefore, the formula will consist of two atoms of X and one atom of Y.
Final Formula
Thus, the formula of the compound formed by elements X and Y will be:
- XY2
Conclusion
In summary, the compound formed by an element with a valency of 1 (X) and an element with a valency of 2 (Y) will have the formula XY2. This reflects the need for two atoms of element X to balance the single atom of element Y. Understanding valency helps in predicting how different elements combine to form compounds.