Chapter 7, Problem 69A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The compound formed between elements Zinc and Oxygen needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Molecules are bound together by different types of bonds namely ionic and covalent. Ionic bonds are formed when there is complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another. These atoms either lose or gain electrons to become negatively or positively charged ions. The forces of attraction between these ions causes the ionic bond formation.

Answer to Problem 69A

The compound formed between elements Zinc and Oxygen is $\text{ZnO}$.

Explanation of Solution

Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons from one atom to the other. The metal atoms, an electrons donor, loses electrons to form a positively charged ion while the non-metal atoms, electron acceptor, gains electrons to form negatively charged ions. During the process of donating or gaining electrons, the atoms follow octet rule to attain a stable noble gas configuration. Therefore, the charges on the anion and cation depends on the electrons lost or gained giving net charge of zero.

Zinc has atomic number of 30 with electronic configuration as $\left[\text{Ar}\right]3{\text{d}}^{10}4{\text{s}}^2$. There are two outermost electrons which Zinc will lose to form a Zinc ion, ${\text{Zn}}^{\text{2+}}$.

Oxygen has atomic number as 8 with electronic configuration as ${\text{1s}}^2{\text{2s}}^2{\text{2p}}^4$. It has 6 valence electrons and needs two electrons to get octet configuration. It will gain two electrons to form ${\text{O}}^{\text{2-}}$.

The compound between Zinc and oxygen is Zinc oxide in which the anion is ${\text{O}}^{\text{2-}}$ and cation is ${\text{Zn}}^{\text{2+}}$. The ionic compound formed is $\text{ZnO}$ where the ratio between cation to anion is 2:2 or 1:1.

Conclusion

The compound between Zinc and Oxygen is $\text{ZnO}$.