Question

From the following list of elements, those that will always form ionic compounds in a 1:2 ratio with zinc.

Answer 1

Answer:

A. iodine

C. fluorine

F. bromine

Explanation:

Ionic bonds occur mostly between metals and non-metals. Usually, a wide electronegativity difference is preferred between the two atoms. This makes one atom more desirous to gain electron and other more willing to donate electrons.

To have Zn forming  a compound in the ratio of 1 to 2, the combining power must be similar to this.

The dominant oxidation state of Zn is the is the +2 state.

The other combining atoms must have the ability to recieve the two electrons.

The halogens fit perfectly into this picture. They need just an electron to attain nobility. They are also highly electronegative. If two halogens combines with the Zn, then the ionic bond will result.

The halogens are fluorine,chlorine, bromine, iodine and astatine.

They will form these compounds:

                       ZnF₂, ZnBr₂ and ZnI₂