Periodic Table – Valency
About Our Periodic Table of Elements with Valency
This periodic table displays each element’s atomic number, symbol, name, and valency—the fundamental property that determines how an element bonds with others. Valency represents an element’s combining capacity, indicating the number of electrons an atom donates, accepts, or shares to achieve stability.
Elements form compounds in fixed ratios based on their valency. For example, sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl), both with a valency of 1, combine in a 1:1 ratio to form NaCl. In contrast, magnesium (Mg), with a valency of 2, bonds with two chlorine atoms to form MgCl₂. Some elements, such as iron (Fe) and copper (Cu), exhibit multiple valencies, allowing them to form different compounds.
Metals typically have valencies corresponding to the electrons in their outermost shell, while non-metals often achieve stability by gaining electrons, with their valency determined by subtracting their outermost electrons from 8. Noble gases, already stable, have a valency of zero.
This table provides a clear and structured reference for students, educators, and chemistry enthusiasts, helping them understand how elements interact and form chemical compounds.