Question

question 11 of 20 : select the best answer for the question. 11. the valence of an element or radical is a. equal to the number of positive or negative charges on the ion. b. not related to the number of positive or negative charges on the ion. c. less than the number of positive or negative charges on the ion. d. greater than the number of positive or negative charges on the ion. mark for review (will be highlighted on the review page) << previous question next question >>

Explanation:

The valence of an element or radical is defined as the number of positive or negative charges on the ion (for ions). For example, in the ion $\ce{Na+}$, the valence (or oxidation state) is +1, equal to the positive charge. In $\ce{Cl-}$, it's -1, equal to the negative charge. So the valence is equal to the number of positive or negative charges on the ion.

Answer:

A. equal to the number of positive or negative charges on the ion.