All Exams Test series for 1 year @ ₹349 only
Question

The valency of argentic is :

This question was previously asked in
SSC CGL 2023 (Tier-II) Paper 1 Previous Year Paper (26-Oct-2023) (Shift-1)
The correct answer is

+2

Understanding Argentic Valency

The question asks about the valency of 'argentic'. Valency, in simple terms, refers to the combining capacity of an element, often corresponding to the charge it typically carries as an ion in compounds.

Silver's Common Oxidation States

Silver (Ag) is a transition metal. Like many transition metals, it can exist in different oxidation states. The most common and stable oxidation state for silver is +1. This is referred to historically by the term 'argentous'. The ion formed is Ag$^{+}$.

However, silver can also exist in other oxidation states, although they are less common or stable than +1. These include +2 and +3.

  • Silver(I) or Argentous: Ag$^{+}$ (Valency +1)
  • Silver(II) or Argentic: Ag$^{2+}$ (Valency +2)
  • Silver(III): Ag$^{3+}$ (Less common, valency +3)

The term 'argentic' is traditionally used to denote silver in a higher oxidation state than argentous. Historically, it specifically refers to the +2 oxidation state, forming the ion Ag$^{2+}$.

Determining the Valency of Argentic

Based on chemical nomenclature and the definition of 'argentic', it corresponds to silver with a +2 charge, meaning its valency is +2.

Let's look at the given options:

  1. +3
  2. -1
  3. -2
  4. +2

Comparing the definition of argentic with the options, the valency of argentic is +2.

Term Oxidation State Ion Valency
Argentous +1 Ag$^{+}$ +1
Argentic +2 Ag$^{2+}$ +2
Silver(III) +3 Ag$^{3+}$ +3

Therefore, the valency of argentic is +2.

Revision Table: Key Concepts on Valency

Concept Explanation
Valency The combining capacity of an element. It often equals the charge of the ion it forms.
Oxidation State A number assigned to an element in a chemical compound representing its degree of oxidation (loss of electrons) or reduction (gain of electrons). For a simple ion, it equals the charge.
Monovalent Having a valency of 1 (e.g., Na$^{+}$, Cl$^{-}$).
Divalent Having a valency of 2 (e.g., Mg$^{2+}$, O$^{2-}$).
Trivalent Having a valency of 3 (e.g., Al$^{3+}$, N$^{3-}$).

Additional Information: Silver Chemistry and Nomenclature

Silver is a coinage metal and is found in Group 11 of the periodic table. Its electronic configuration is $[Kr] 4d^{10} 5s^1$. The most stable ion Ag$^{+}$ forms when the single 5s electron is lost, resulting in a stable $4d^{10}$ configuration. The +2 state (Ag$^{2+}$) involves losing the 5s electron and one 4d electron. The +3 state (Ag$^{3+}$) involves losing the 5s electron and two 4d electrons.

Classical naming conventions using '-ous' and '-ic' suffixes are less common now, replaced by the Stock system which uses Roman numerals to indicate the oxidation state (e.g., Silver(I) chloride for AgCl, Silver(II) fluoride for AgF$_2$). However, understanding terms like 'argentic' is still useful for interpreting older texts or questions.

Was this answer helpful?

Important Questions from Periodic Table

  1. Which of the following elements has the largest atomic radius?
  2. Which of the following elements belongs to the s-block of the periodic table?
  3. In accordance with the Modern Periodic Law, the characteristics of elements are periodic functions of their:
  4. Whose Periodic Law was modified and adopted the Atomic number as the basis of Modern Periodic Table? 

  5. Mendeleev left a gap under aluminium and named the predicted element as ________.
Need Expert Advice?
Upcoming Exams
SSC CPO
November 23, 2026
SSC CHSL
November 30, 2026
Test Series
SSC CGL img
SSC
SSC CGL (Tier I + Tier II) 2026 Mock Test Series - Latest Pattern
2509 Tests 6 Tests Free
8899 Attempts
4.2(945)
English, Hindi
More Questions from SSC CGL

Start Your Preparation with Prepp Mobile App

Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Download the app from Google Play & App Store
Prepp Mobile App