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ICSE Class 9 Chemistry Question 17 of 34

The Language of Chemistry — Question 20

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Question 16

How are the elements with variable valency named ? Explain with an example.

Answer

If an element exhibits two different positive valencies, then the suffix "ous" is used for the lower valency and the suffix "ic" is used for the higher valency. Modern chemists use Roman numerals in place of these trivial names.
For example, Iron can exhibit a valency of +2 or +3. The ion with valency +2 is named as Ferrous ion (Fe2+) and with valency +3 is named as Ferric ion (Fe3+). Its oxides will be named as Ferrous oxide or Iron (II) oxide [FeO] and Ferric oxide or Iron (III) oxide [Fe2O3].