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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.