How does an ionic bond form between zinc and oxygen?

To determine how an ionic bond forms between zinc (Zn) and oxygen (O), you need to understand the electron arrangement in their outer shells.

Zinc has two electrons in its outer shell, while oxygen has six. Both elements aim to achieve a stable electron configuration, commonly referred to as the octet rule, where the outer shell contains eight electrons.

In this case, zinc prefers to lose its two outer electrons to have a full inner shell with eight electrons. Oxygen, on the other hand, wants to gain two electrons to complete its outer shell.

To form an ionic bond, zinc transfers its two electrons to oxygen. This results in the formation of a positive ion (cation) for zinc, Zn2+, as it loses two electrons. Simultaneously, oxygen gains these two electrons, forming a negative ion (anion), O2-.

The resulting ionic bond is then formed between the positively charged zinc ion, Zn2+, and the negatively charged oxygen ion, O2-. The attraction between these opposite charges creates a strong bond between them.

Overall, the formation of an ionic bond between zinc and oxygen occurs because of the transfer of electrons, resulting in the stability of both atoms' electron configurations.