Dictionary Definition
divalent adj : having a valence of two or having
two valences [syn: bivalent]
User Contributed Dictionary
English
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Extensive Definition
In chemistry, divalent anions are atoms or radicals with
2 additional electrons
when compared to their elemental state (that is, with 2 more
electrons than protons);
for instance, S2- is the sulfide anion. Conversely, a cation is missing some electrons
as compared with the neutral atom. Example: iron(II) or Fe2+ is the
divalent cationic form of iron. The terminology arises because in
solutions or arc discharges, cations are attracted to the cathode and anions to the anode.
Divalent cations are present in abundance in
hard
water; for example, Ca2+ and Mg2+. These ionic
minerals in solution are what contribute to the properties of water
which cause it to be hard, such as the formation of
scale.