Define valency by taking examples of silicon and oxygen.

The definite combining capacity of the atoms of each element is called as valency.

The atomic number of silicon is 14

Number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in silicon i.e., 14

The distribution of electrons in silicon atom is K – 2, L – 8, M – 4

Hence, from the distribution of silicon it is clearly evident that to fill the M shell 4 electrons are required. Therefore its valency is 8-4 = 4.

The atomic number of oxygen is 8

Number of electrons is equal to the number of protons in oxygen i.e., 8

The distribution of electrons in oxygen atom is K – 2, L – 6

Hence, from the distribution of oxygen it is clearly evident that to fill the L shell, 2 more electrons are required. Therefore its valency is 8-6 = 2.