The combining capacity of an element is called its:
A. Valency
B. Atomic number
C. Mass number
D. Ionization energy
Answer: Option A
Solution (By JKExamLibrary)
Valency is the number of electrons an atom can lose, gain, or share to achieve a stable octet. It determines the number of chemical bonds it can form. For example, carbon has valency 4, oxygen 2, chlorine 1. Atomic number is number of protons, mass number is protons+neutrons, ionization energy is energy required to remove electron.
Explanation:
Dalton considered atoms the ultimate, indivisible particles. The discovery of electrons (J.J. Thomson), protons (Rutherford), and neutrons (Chadwick) proved atoms are divisible and have internal structure. Isotopes showed atoms of same element can differ. However, Dalton's theory still formed the foundation of modern chemistry.
Explanation:
Chemical bonds are attractive forces between atoms due to electron interaction—ionic (transfer), covalent (sharing), metallic, etc. These bonds hold atoms together in molecules or crystals. Nuclear force holds protons and neutrons in nucleus. Gravitational and magnetic forces are negligible at atomic scale. Bond energy determines stability; stronger bond means more energy required to break.
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