Homonym: valence (Charge)
Valence refers to the capacity of an atom or molecule to bond with other atoms or molecules. In chemistry, it indicates how many electrons an atom can share, gain, or lose during a chemical reaction. For example, the valence of carbon is four, meaning it can form four bonds with other elements, such as in carbon dioxide or methane.
In psychology, valence describes the intrinsic attractiveness or aversiveness of an event, object, or situation. It helps to categorize emotions as positive (pleasant) or negative (unpleasant). For instance, the valence of happiness is positive, while the valence of sadness is negative, influencing how individuals respond to different experiences.