The valency of an element depends upon the

The valency of an element depends upon the

total number of protons in an atom
mass number of an atom
total number of neutrons in an atom
total number of electrons in the outer most shell of an atom
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2017
The valency of an element depends upon the total number of electrons in the outermost shell of an atom. These electrons are called valence electrons.
Valency is the combining capacity of an element, which is determined by how readily an atom gains, loses, or shares electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration, typically like that of a noble gas (usually a full outer shell). The number of electrons in the outermost shell dictates how an atom will participate in chemical bonding. Elements with a few valence electrons tend to lose them (forming positive ions), elements with nearly full outer shells tend to gain electrons (forming negative ions), and elements with partially filled outer shells often share electrons (forming covalent bonds).
The total number of protons determines the atomic number and identifies the element. The mass number is the sum of protons and neutrons and relates to the atom’s mass and isotopes. The number of neutrons affects isotopes but generally not the chemical properties or valency of the element. The arrangement of electrons in the outer shell is the primary factor governing chemical reactivity and valency.
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