DIVALENT Meaning and
Definition
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Divalent refers to an element or ion that exhibits a valence of two, meaning it has the ability to form two chemical bonds. The term is derived from the Latin word "divalens," which translates to "having two valences." In chemistry, valence refers to the number of chemical bonds an atom can form with other atoms to achieve stability.
When an element is divalent, it means that its outermost electron shell contains two electrons, and it can lose or gain two electrons during a chemical reaction to achieve a stable configuration. This property makes divalent elements capable of forming compounds with other elements through the sharing or transfer of electrons.
Divalent ions are often formed when divalent elements, such as calcium (Ca2+), magnesium (Mg2+), or iron (Fe2+), lose two electrons, resulting in a positive charge due to the loss of negatively charged electrons. These divalent ions are essential in various biological processes and are often involved in the regulation of enzymes, cell signaling, and maintaining proper bodily functions.
In summary, the term "divalent" describes an element or ion with a valence of two, indicating its ability to form two chemical bonds through the sharing or transfer of electrons. This property is crucial in forming compounds and participating in various chemical and biological processes.
Common Misspellings for DIVALENT
Etymology of DIVALENT
The word "divalent" is derived from the Latin word "divalēns", which is the present participle of "divalēre". "Divalēre" is a compound word, formed by combining the prefix "di-" (meaning "two") and the verb "valēre" (meaning "to be strong" or "to have power"). Thus, "divalēnt" literally means "having two powers" or "having a valence of two". In chemistry, "divalent" refers to an atom or an ion that can form two chemical bonds or has a valence of two.
Similar spelling words for DIVALENT
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