Identify the bonds formed between the following pairs of atoms as either covalent or ionic.
d. Zinc and fluorine

Verified step by step guidance

1. Determine the type of elements involved: Zinc (Zn) is a metal, and fluorine (F) is a nonmetal. This distinction is important because the type of bond depends on the nature of the elements.
2. Recall the general rule for bond types: Ionic bonds typically form between metals and nonmetals due to the transfer of electrons, while covalent bonds form between nonmetals through the sharing of electrons.
3. Examine the electronegativity difference: Metals like zinc have low electronegativity, while nonmetals like fluorine have high electronegativity. A large difference in electronegativity (greater than 1.7) usually indicates an ionic bond.
4. Understand the behavior of the atoms: Zinc tends to lose two electrons to form a Zn²⁺ ion, while fluorine tends to gain one electron to form an F⁻ ion. This electron transfer is characteristic of ionic bonding.
5. Conclude the bond type: Based on the transfer of electrons and the metal-nonmetal pairing, the bond between zinc and fluorine is classified as ionic.

Key Concepts

Covalent Bonds

Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons. This type of bond typically occurs between nonmetals, allowing them to achieve a full outer electron shell, which stabilizes the atoms. An example is the bond between two hydrogen atoms in a hydrogen molecule (H2).

Ionic Bonds

Ionic bonds are formed when one atom donates an electron to another atom, resulting in the formation of charged ions. This typically occurs between metals and nonmetals, where the metal loses electrons to become a positively charged cation, and the nonmetal gains electrons to become a negatively charged anion. A classic example is the bond between sodium and chlorine in sodium chloride (NaCl).

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond. In general, atoms with high electronegativity, such as fluorine, tend to form ionic bonds with less electronegative atoms, like zinc. The difference in electronegativity between the two atoms helps determine whether a bond will be covalent or ionic.