Talk:Valence (chemistry)

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Valence is also a linguistic term. It has to to with the number of participants in a clause.

Valence number or oxidation number?

First. The definition of the valence number given in the article "valence number" is actually the definition of the oxidation number. A valence number must not have a sign; most generally, it is the number of chemical bonds (of any type) that an atom of an element forms in a given substance.

Second. Oxidation numbers vary from -4 (in carbides, etc.) to +8 (in OsO4), but not from -7 to +7! Other substances (such as borides, etc.) are usually cannot be correctly described (even formally) using the concept of the oxidation number.

Third. Similar to helium, neon forms no "chemical" (i.e. covalent and/or ionic) substances (or at least I am unaware of such).

Fourth. Unfortunately, I have no time to edit the article right now -- probably later I'll do it.

Fifth. Thank you for reading all this.

Above unsigned comment was added 21:28, 31 January 2006 (UTC) 83.237.103.58

Merge Valence number

I largely agree with the comment above and suggest that they can be fixed as part of the proposed merge of Valence number into this article. I support that merge. --Bduke 21:47, 31 January 2006 (UTC)[reply]

Please merge.

I think it is important to merge valence number with article valency. It would help a lot of other students! Thank you.