Copper form two oxides i.e. CuO and Cu2O.
First oxide – CuO
Molecular weight of copper = 63.5
Molecular weight of oxygen = 16
Here, 63.5 parts of copper reacts with 16 parts of oxygen.
Second oxide – Cu2O
Molecular weight of copper = 63.5 × 2 = 127
Molecular weight of oxygen = 16
Here, 63.5 parts of copper reacts with 8 parts of oxygen.
Hence, ratio of valencies of first copper oxide to other = 16:8
= 2:1