DELHI PUBLIC SCHOOL

CLASS 9 - CHEMISTRY
CHAPTER 4: STRUCTURE OF ATOM

Module 3

Topic Overview

 Valency
 Atomic number and Mass Number
 Isotopes
 Isobar
INTRODUCION- Noble gases or inert gases are group of elements which are chemically
inert and stable. The concept of valency arises from the study of these elements. Noble
gases have 8 electrons in their valence shell and it is called the octet state, except helium
which has 2 electrons in the valence shell called duplet state. All other elements (except
noble gases) have less than 8 electrons in the valence shell. Hence to attain stability, atoms
of these elements lose, gain or share electrons with other atoms so as to complete their
octet state
VALENCY
https://youtu.be/2ugSvI-F__I
Valency- is the combining capacity of the atom of an element.
The number of electrons lost, gained or shared by the atom of an element so as to
complete its octet (or duplet in case of elements having only K shell) is called the valency
of the element.
It is calculated with the help of electronic configuration of an atom as follows:

1. when valence electron = 1, 2, 3,4

Valency = number of valence electron
2. when valence electron = 5,6,7
Valency = 8 – number of valence electron Valence.

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 They govern the chemical properties of atoms.
 The atoms of elements having completely filled outermost shell which has eight
electrons /octet state show little chemical activity i.e they are highly stable.
 Such elements which have completely filled outermost shells /octet structure or
duplet in case of Helium are called inert or noble elements.
 Atoms combine with atoms of same or other elements to form octet or duplet
structure, as these structures have least energy and are highly stable.
 The octet or duplet structure is obtained by transfer or by sharing of electrons.

Formation of Sodium ion/ cation – loss of electron takes place to attain octet state

Formation of Chlorine ion/anion -gain of electrons take place to attain octet state

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Atomic Number (Z)
It is the number of protons or electrons in a neutral atom.

Mass Number (A)

It is the sum of number of protons and neutrons in an atom.
Number of neutrons = A – Z

Isotopes
https://youtu.be/qgJW1g0nCxQ

Isotopes are atoms of the same element having the same atomic number, but
different mass number

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Characteristics of Isotopes
i) The physical properties of the isotopes of an element are different. This is because
they have different atomic masses.
ii) All the isotopes of an element have same number of valence electrons.
iii) All the isotopes of an element will have identical chemical properties as they have
identical electronic configuration.

Applications of radio-isotopes

i) In agriculture – For providing information regarding the use, need and path of
various nutrient elements required by plants. E.g.: - Radioactive 32
15 P is used with

phosphatic fertilizers to follow the rate of absorption of these fertilizers by plants.

ii) In industry: - (a) A mixture of radioactive thorium and Zinc Sulphide is used for
coating the hands and digits of clocks and watches, so that they can be seen in dark.
(b) Cracks in metal castings can be located with radioisotopes.
iii) In Medicine: -
(a) Radioisotope of Iodine is used in treatment of thyroid problem.
(b) Radioisotope of Phosphorus is used in treatment of bone diseases.
(c) 60
27 Co is used for treating cancer.

(d) 24
11 Na A radioisotope has been used to diagnose restricted circulation of blood.

iv) Determination of mechanism of a reaction: - For determining the path of a reaction.

v) In radiocarbon dating.

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Isobars - Isobars are atoms of different elements having different atomic
number, but same mass number. E.g., 14 14
6 C, 7 N ; 18Ar
40 and 20Ca
40

SOLVED QUESTIONS
Q1. Why do Noble gases like Helium, Neon and Argon have a zero valency?
Ans.1Helium has only K shell and it is completely filled with 2 electrons. Argon and
neon have 8 electrons in their outermost shell which is the maximum number of
electrons that can be accommodated in the outermost shell, hence their valency is zero.

Q2. Will 35CIand 37CI have different valencies? Justify your answer.
Ans. 2 No, both 35CI and 37CI will have same valencies, as 35CI and 37CI are isotopes. The
isotopes have same number of electrons and protons. They differ only in the number of
neutrons. Their electron distribution will be same.

Q3. Write down the electron distribution of Aluminium atom. How many electrons are
there in the M shell? (Atomic number of Aluminium is 13).
Ans 3. Al (13) K L M

2 8 3
M shell will have 3 electrons.