Which ion has the symbol Zn2+?

Which ion has the symbol Zn2+?

• A. Zn2+
• B. Zn+
• C. Zn3+
• D. Zn0

Answer: (A)

Zinc forms ions by losing electrons, so the 2+ charge means two electrons have been removed. A neutral zinc atom has the electron arrangement [Ar] 3d10 4s2; removing the two 4s electrons gives Zn2+ with a stable [Ar] 3d10 configuration. That +2 oxidation state is the common form zinc takes in compounds, like in zinc sulfate or zinc chloride. A neutral Zn0 is not an ion, and Zn+ or Zn3+ are not typical for zinc in ordinary chemistry because they don’t fit its stable electron configuration. So the Zn2+ ion is the correct one.

Zinc forms ions by losing electrons, so the 2+ charge means two electrons have been removed. A neutral zinc atom has the electron arrangement [Ar] 3d10 4s2; removing the two 4s electrons gives Zn2+ with a stable [Ar] 3d10 configuration. That +2 oxidation state is the common form zinc takes in compounds, like in zinc sulfate or zinc chloride. A neutral Zn0 is not an ion, and Zn+ or Zn3+ are not typical for zinc in ordinary chemistry because they don’t fit its stable electron configuration. So the Zn2+ ion is the correct one.