Question

The valency of inert gas is?

Answer 1

Hint: The valency of any element is detected on the basis of the valence electrons or the outer shell electrons of that atom. The number of electrons in the outer shell is identified through the electronic configuration of atoms. Valency determines the chemical formula and the number of atoms that can be bonded to form a molecule.

Complete answer:
Valency of any element is defined as the ability of an atom as to how much electrons it can gain or lose to complete their octet and form chemical bonds with other atoms. The chemical bonds are responsible for holding atoms in a molecule. Therefore, the valency of any atom decides its reacting capacity with other atoms.
Valency of any atom can be detected by the number of electrons present in its valence shells. For instance, alkali metals have a general configuration $n{{s}^{1}}$ , so only 1 electron from the outer shell can be donated for their reaction and forming bonds, thus their valency is +1. On the other hand halogens have general configuration $n{{p}^{5}}$, so they need only 1 electron to complete their configuration and form bonds, so their valency is -1.
We have been given inert gases, whose general configuration is $n{{p}^{6}}$ , means they have all the orbitals filled. This means they have a fully filled electronic configuration and they cannot gain or lose any electron to react. So the valency of inert gases becomes zero.
Hence, the valency of inert gas is 0 due to the fully filled outer shell orbital that also makes them non – reactive.

Note:
The bonds between atoms are made either by transfer or sharing of electrons. Through both methods elements react with each other and complete their fully filled configuration. Covalent bonds are formed by sharing electrons, while ionic bonds are formed by transfer of electrons. If an atom has the ability to gain electrons then its valency is negative, while the valency is positive if it is capable of donating electrons.