Question

What is the positive valence of Sodium Sulfate? (Na2SO4)?

Answer 1

the valence of Na is always +1

Answer 2

You posted this same kind of question below under Ash. Please explain what you mean by this. Na has a valence and SO4^2- has a valence but the compound Na2SO4 (or AlCl3) has no valence. Asking for the positive valence of something clues us in on where you're going but you need to ask the question right to avoid confusion.

Answer 3

I see,sorry for asking a blunt question. My prof, gave us the equation for equivalent weight of solute which is the ratio of molecular weight with respect to the positive valence. she used 2 as the positive valence of Na2SO4 that's why I'm confused whether to use the value of the superscript of the cation since it is positive or the value superscript of the anion?

Answer 4

OK. Now I understand. What you want is the total positive valence (or the total negative valence) in the compound Na2SO4. The total positive valence is 2 [that's +2*1= +2 = 2] which is the same as the total negative valence which is 2. The equivalent weight of Na2SO4 is molecular weight/2 = ? Technically, one cannot calculate the equivalent weight of a compound without knowing the chemical reaction and equation because the reaction determines the equivalent. For example, H2CO3 may have an equivalent weight of molecular weight/1 or an equivalent weight of molecular weight/2. In the case of salts; however, it is common to use the molecular/total + or - valence. In the case of AlCl3, the total positive valence is +3 and the total negative valence is -3. I hope this clears things up for you. We are glad to have you Jiskha.

Answer 5

So whatever be the higher value it will be considered as the positive/negative valence?