A neutral zinc atom contains 30 protons, 30 electrons and 34 neutrons. What happens when the atom changes to the zinc2+ ion?

1 Answer
May 31, 2018

It loses 2 electrons

Explanation:

In the metal the protons have a combined charge of 30+, which is compensated for by the combined charge of 30- from the electrons.

When 2 electrons are donated to another atom or group, the net charge of the zinc-ion is now 30+ minus 28- = 2+.

Examples:
#Zn+Cl_2->Zn^(2+)+2Cl^-#

#Zn+2H^+ ->Zn^(2+)+H_2#