Identify the charge, X, on the Zinc ion ZnX. Answer Choices -2 +1 +3 +2 -1
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct charge on the zinc ion in the compound ZnX is +2.
Here’s an explanation:
Zinc (Zn) is a transition metal in Group 12 of the periodic table. It typically forms a cation with a +2 charge. This is because zinc tends to lose two electrons from its 4s subshell when it forms an ion.
In the case of zinc, the electron configuration of the neutral zinc atom is:
Zn (atomic number 30):
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s²
When zinc forms an ion, it loses two electrons from the 4s orbital, resulting in the Zn²⁺ ion:
Zn²⁺ electron configuration:
1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰
This gives zinc a stable electron configuration resembling that of argon (Ar), with a full 3d subshell. This +2 charge on Zn is the most common and stable charge it assumes in its ionic form.
Now, the X in ZnX is likely referring to an anion (negatively charged ion), which typically balances out the positive charge of the Zn²⁺ ion. The charge on X would therefore be -2 to balance the +2 charge from Zn, making the compound electrically neutral.
Thus, the charge on the zinc ion (Zn) in ZnX is +2.
