Valences are essential in chemistry, and it is vital to understand the synonyms for this term. Valences are often used interchangeably with the word oxidation states, which is the degree of oxidation of an atom. Other synonyms for valences include the terms "combining power," "bonding capacity," and "affinity." These terms refer to the ability of a particular element to form chemical bonds with other elements. The valence of an atom determines how it will bond with other atoms to form compounds, which is of great importance in understanding chemical reactions. A thorough understanding of valences and its synonyms is crucial in achieving success in the study of chemistry.