Univalent: meaning, definitions and examples

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univalent

 

[ juːˈneɪ.və.lənt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

chemistry term

Univalent refers to an atom or a molecule that has a valence of one. In chemistry, it is typically used to describe elements or compounds that can form one bond with another atom or molecule. Univalent elements, such as hydrogen or chlorine, can easily react and form simple compounds. This term is often contrasted with bivalent or trivalent elements, which can form two or three bonds, respectively.

Synonyms

monovalent, valent

Examples of usage

  • Hydrogen is a univalent element because it can form one bond.
  • In water, each hydrogen atom is univalent, bonding with the oxygen atom.
  • The chemical behavior of univalent ions differs significantly from that of multivalent ions.
  • Univalent cations and anions play crucial roles in ionic bonding.

Translations

Translations of the word "univalent" in other languages:

🇵🇹 univalente

🇮🇳 एक-विशिष्ट

🇩🇪 univalent

🇮🇩 univalen

🇺🇦 унівалентний

🇵🇱 unowalentny

🇯🇵 一価の

🇫🇷 univalente

🇪🇸 univalente

🇹🇷 univalan

🇰🇷 일가의

🇸🇦 أحادي التكافؤ

🇨🇿 univalentní

🇸🇰 univalentný

🇨🇳 单价的

🇸🇮 univalenten

🇮🇸 einn verð

🇰🇿 бірмәнді

🇬🇪 უნივალენტური

🇦🇿 tək qiymətli

🇲🇽 univalente

Word origin

The term 'univalent' comes from the combination of the prefix 'uni-' meaning one, and the suffix '-valent' derived from the Latin word 'valens,' which means strong or powerful. This reflects the notion of having one value or bond in chemical terms. The use of 'univalent' in the field of chemistry began to gain prominence during the 19th century as the understanding of atomic structure and bonding advanced. Chemists needed a way to classify elements based on their ability to form bonds, leading to the introduction of valency concepts. Thus, univalent provides a clear descriptor for those elements that can only bond in a single manner, enhancing communication among scientists about chemical behaviors and reactions.