What is Variable Valency? Example of Iron’s Variable Valency Explained

Learn about variable valency with the example of iron, which exhibits valencies of +2 and +3 in common compounds like FeO and Fe2O3.

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Variable Valency Example: Iron is a classic example. It can exhibit valencies of +2 and +3. In Ferrous compounds (e.g., FeO), Iron has a valency of +2. In Ferric compounds (e.g., Fe2O3), Iron has a valency of +3. This property allows Iron to form diverse compounds, useful in various chemical processes.

FAQs & Answers

  1. What does variable valency mean in chemistry? Variable valency refers to the ability of an element to exhibit different valencies (combining capacities) in different compounds.
  2. Why does iron have variable valency? Iron has variable valency because it can lose different numbers of electrons, resulting in common valencies of +2 (ferrous) and +3 (ferric) in its compounds.
  3. What are examples of compounds showing iron’s variable valency? Examples include ferrous oxide (FeO) where iron shows +2 valency, and ferric oxide (Fe2O3) where iron shows +3 valency.