noun

valence

/ˈveɪləns/ · say it: VAY·luhns

the combining capacity of an atom

In more detail

1. (noun) the power of an atom to combine with other atoms, measured by the number of electrons it can lose, gain, or share

2. (noun) the emotional quality or feeling associated with something

Examples

1. Oxygen has a valence of two, which means it can bond with two hydrogen atoms.
2. The valence of the music was uplifting and positive.

How to use valence

In chemistry, valence refers to an atom's capacity to bond with others, traditionally described numerically; in psychology and affective science, emotional valence describes the intrinsic attractiveness or aversiveness of an experience, ranging from positive to negative. The term is technical in chemistry and increasingly common in neuroscience and psychology, where it complements concepts like arousal to characterize emotional states.

Common phrases

valence electrons
positive valence
negative valence
emotional valence
chemical valence

Synonyms

combining power · valency · emotional tone · affective quality · feeling

Word family

valency · valent · bivalent · multivalent

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse valence with valency; in American English valence is standard, while in British English valency is more common, but both are acceptable in either variety.

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