* Structure of Sulfate: Sulfate consists of one sulfur atom bonded to four oxygen atoms.
* Charges: Each oxygen atom has a -2 charge, and the sulfur atom has a +6 charge.
* Net Charge: The total charge of the four oxygen atoms is -8. To balance the +6 charge of the sulfur atom, the sulfate ion needs a net charge of -2.
Therefore, the valency of sulfate is -2.
Key Points:
* Valency refers to the combining capacity of an atom or ion.
* A negative valency indicates an anion (negatively charged ion).
* Sulfate acts as an anion in chemical reactions.
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