The property of atoms or radicals equal to the number of atoms of hydrogen that an atom or group can combine with or displace in forming compounds. Hydrogen therefore has a valency of 1. In ionic compounds, it is equal to the ionic charge. For example, in MgCl2, magnesium has a valency of 1 while chlorine has a valency of 2. In covalent compounds, it is equal to the number of bonds formed. For example, in SO2, sulphur has a valency of 4 and oxygen has a valency of 2.