The ionic compound, ZnCl2, consists of which of the following?

Question

? 1 Zn+ ion and 1 Cl- ion
? 2 Zn+ ions and 1 Cl2- ion
? 1 Zn2+ ion and 1 Cl2- ion
? 1 Zn2+ ion and 2 Cl- ions
? 1 Zn2- ion and 2 Cl+ ions

Answer 1

The correct composition of the ionic compound ZnCl2 is:

1 Zn²⁺ ion and 2 Cl⁻ ions.

In ZnCl2, zinc (Zn) has a oxidation state of +2, forming Zn²⁺ ions, while each chlorine (Cl) has an oxidation state of -1, forming Cl⁻ ions. To balance the charge, two Cl⁻ ions are needed to pair with one Zn²⁺ ion.