Question

Define the following terms with examples: Divalent

Answer 1

Divalent:

When an atom gains or loses two electrons from its outermost shell in order to acquire eight electrons in its outermost shell its valency becomes two. Such atoms having valency two are known as divalent.

Examples:

Magnesium $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{Mg}\mathbf{\right)}$:

1. Magnesium metal has atomic number $12$. Thus, the electronic configuration of Magnesium is $(2,8,2)$.
2. Magnesium atom loses two valence electrons to acquire eight electrons in the outermost shell.
3. Thus, valency of Magnesium is $2$ and it is known as divalent.

Oxygen $\mathbf{\left(}\mathbf{O}\mathbf{\right)}$:

1. Oxygen, non-metal has atomic number $8$. Thus, the electronic configuration of Oxygen is $(2,6)$.
2. Oxygen atom gains two electrons to acquire eight electrons in the outermost shell.
3. Thus, valency of Oxygen is $2$ and it is known as divalent.