The valence of an element or radical is

The valence of an element or radical is

A.) equal to the number of positive or negative charges on the ion.
B.) less than the number of positive or negative charges on the ion.
C.) not related to the number of positive or negative charges on the ion.
D.) greater than the number of positive or negative charges on the ion.

Answer : 

A.) equal to the number of positive or negative charges on the ion.