What Does Valency of Gold Mean?

Valency is a simple yet significant concept in chemistry, which explains an element's ability to combine with other materials. Valency tells us how many electrons an atom of an element can lose, gain or share to combine with other atoms and form chemical compounds. Gold has a valency of +1 (univalent) and +3 (trivalent) and it refers to how many gold atoms connect to other atoms in different ways.

The knowledge of gold valency helps us understand the reason why gold acts as it does and answer questions like why is gold shiny, why does it not wear out easily, and why is it so expensive in jewellery? In this blog, we will explain the concept of valency of gold in detail and explore its significance in everyday life. Read on to know more!

What is Valency?

Valency is the ability of an atom to combine or bond with other atoms. It informs us of the number of other atoms that one atom is able to bond with by sharing or exchanging electrons. Here are a few examples of valency in our everyday lives:

• Hydrogen is a one-valence element since it can only bond with one other element through the sharing of a single electron.
• The number of electrons that can be shared by oxygen with two other atoms is 2. It means the valency of Oxygen is 2.

This helps us understand ow atoms cling together to form all things that surround us, such as water or air.

Also Read: What is 1 Pavan of Gold in Grams and How is It Calculated?

What is Gold Electronic Configuration?

Gold electronic configuration refers to the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus, i.e., the centre of an atom. The electrons revolve around the nucleus in orbits (also known as shells or energy levels), and the manner in which they are positioned informs us a lot about an element.

Gold electronic configuration depicts the arrangement of the 79 electrons in shells. Gold contains a number of shells of electrons; the outermost shells are the most important since they determine how gold connects or bonds with other atoms.

The electrons of gold are ordered in such a manner that the outer shell (called the 6s orbital) contains only one electron. This one electron and the shell underneath it informs us about the number of electrons that gold can give out or take, and this is its valency.

In simple language, through the study of the gold electronic configuration, we know why gold tends to react with other elements to share or lose one or three electrons. It is what provides the most common valency states of gold, +1 and +3.

What is the Valency of Gold?

There are two primary valency states of gold, namely +1 (univalent) and +3 (trivalent). This implies that gold atoms are able to combine with other atoms either by sharing or losing one electron (+1) or by sharing or losing three electrons (+3). These two valencies demonstrate the flexibility of gold in the formation of various compounds.

Examples of Gold Compounds and Their Valencies

Gold does not react easily with a lot of substances. This is called inertness. It occurs due to the high stability of gold, which is brought about by the valency and electronic structure of gold. Gold does not easily lose its electrons or combine with other elements, hence it remains shiny and does not rust or corrode. This is the reason why jewellery and valuable items are valued in gold.

Also Read: Gold Loans for Women: A Beginner-friendly Guide to the Process

Importance of Valency of Gold in Everyday Life?

Gold is more than just a shiny metal. Its valency contributes significantly to the utilisation of gold in most of the important things around us, particularly in jewellery, loans, and industry.

Jewellery and Alloys

• The valency of gold makes it form a bond with other metals, such as copper or silver.
• This creates good alloys that are utilised in the production of jewellery that is both beautiful and strong.
• Jewellers can alter the colour and hardness of gold to different valency states without compromising its precious quality.

Electronics and Technology

• Gold is a good conductor of electricity due to its valency, which creates compounds that enable it to conduct electricity.
• The stability of valency of gold is what makes it a good coating material to use on electrical connectors and wires.
• It is used in smartphones, computers, and other equipment since gold connectors are not corroded easily and are also good conductors of electricity.

Medicine and Science

• Advanced medical procedures like cancer treatment use gold compounds that are formed because of their valency.
• Nanoparticles of gold, which are formed by regulating the valency, are used in targeted drug delivery and diagnosis.
• It's safe chemical nature makes it ideal for medical devices and research.

Aerospace and Special Applications

• Spacecrafts and satellites have a gold coating that shields them against heat and radiation.
• Gold has a valency that enables it to create a thin protective layer that reflects infrared and ultraviolet light.
• Gold is also used in the creation of reliable electrical contacts in high-tech uses in aviation and space.

The valency of gold helps us understand why gold is not only a precious metal used for making jewellery, but also has various use cases in technology, health, and scientific advancements.

Also Read: Which City Has the Lowest Gold Price in India?

To Conclude

Gold can bond with other atoms and share one or three electrons. The concept of valency is particularly significant as it helps us understand how this precious metal bonds with other elements to form chemical compounds. This is why pure gold of 24K or 22K is highly regarded as a precious metal. Lenders provide loans against gold where the gold serves as collateral.

During a financial urgency, you can pledge your gold jewellery and ornaments to unlock their monetary value with a Gold Loan. At Poonawalla Fincorp, we offer low-interest gold loans starting at just 11% p.a.* with up to 75% loan to value for your gold. Apply for a Gold Loan of up to ₹50 lakh to meet both your personal and business requirements.

FAQs

What is valency in chemistry?

Valency in chemistry indicates the number of electrons an atom can lose, gain or share to combine with other atoms.

What is the meaning of the valency of gold?

The valency of gold refers to gold's ability to lose, gain or share its atoms when it combines with other atoms. Gold has two possible valencies, +1 and +3, that is, it can lose or share 1 or 3 electrons in bonding.

Why is the valency of gold more than one?

Gold has more than one valency due to the ability of the electrons of gold to be organised in various forms, which means that it can be used to produce various compounds.

What is the influence of valency on the properties of gold?

Valency is the reason why gold is stable, shiny, and does not easily react with other substances.

What is the reason why gold does not corrode easily?

Its valency is stable and, therefore, the gold is inert to oxygen and other chemicals.

What is the use of valency of gold in making jewellery?

Valency assists jewellers combine gold with other metals in order to create strong and durable jewellery.

Does valency have an impact on the value of gold?

Yes, valency assists in the knowledge of the purity and quality of gold, which determines its value.

What is the distinction between valency and oxidation state?

Valency is the power of combining electrons, and oxidation state is the actual charge that gold acquires in compounds.