How to Find the Valency of a Compound:

Introduction:
The valency of a compound is a measure of its combining capacity or the number of electrons that an atom can gain, lose, or share in order to achieve a stable electron configuration. It helps in determining the formula and the type of bonding present in a compound. Here is a step-by-step guide to finding the valency of a compound:

Step 1: Identify the Compound:
First, identify the compound for which you want to determine the valency. It could be an element, an ion, or a molecule.

Step 2: Determine the Chemical Formula:
If you are dealing with a molecule, determine its chemical formula. This will help in identifying the elements present in the compound.

Step 3: Determine the Valency of Each Element:
For each element present in the compound, determine its valency. Valency is typically determined based on the element's position in the periodic table and its electron configuration.

Step 4: Consider the Charge of Ions:
If the compound is an ion or contains ions, consider the charge of the ions. The valency of an ion is equal to the magnitude of its charge. For example, if you have a compound with a sodium ion (Na+) and a chloride ion (Cl-), the valency of sodium is +1, and the valency of chloride is -1.

Step 5: Balance the Charges:
If the compound contains multiple elements, balance the charges to determine the valency of each element. The valency of an element is the number of electrons it gains, loses, or shares to reach a stable electron configuration. The valency of each element should be such that the overall charge of the compound is neutral.

Step 6: Consider the Nature of Bonding:
Lastly, consider the nature of bonding in the compound. If the compound is ionic, the valency would represent the charge on the ion. If it is covalent, the valency would represent the number of electrons an atom can share.

Conclusion:
By following these steps, you can determine the valency of a compound. Remember to consider the chemical formula, the valency of each element, and the charge of ions, if applicable. Balancing the charges and considering the nature of bonding will help in determining the final valency of the compound.