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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is the correct chemical formula for zinc fluoride?
A
ZnF
B
Zn_2F_3
C
ZnF_2
D
Zn_2F
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the charges of the ions involved: Zinc (Zn) typically forms a +2 charge as Zn^{2+}, and fluoride (F) forms a -1 charge as F^{-}.
Determine the ratio of ions needed to balance the overall charge to zero. Since Zn^{2+} has a +2 charge and F^{-} has a -1 charge, two fluoride ions are needed to balance one zinc ion.
Write the chemical formula by combining one Zn^{2+} ion with two F^{-} ions, resulting in ZnF_2.
Verify that the total positive charge (+2 from Zn) and total negative charge (2 × -1 from F) sum to zero, confirming the compound is electrically neutral.
Conclude that the correct chemical formula for zinc fluoride is ZnF_2, as it reflects the proper ionic charges and ratio.