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. Identify the types of elements involved: Zinc (Zn) is a metal, and fluorine (F) is a non-metal.
2. Recall that ionic bonds typically form between metals and non-metals due to the transfer of electrons.
3. Consider the electronegativity difference: Metals like zinc tend to lose electrons, while non-metals like fluorine tend to gain electrons.
4. Understand that in an ionic bond, the metal atom donates electrons to the non-metal atom, resulting in a positive ion (cation) and a negative ion (anion).
5. Conclude that the bond between zinc and fluorine is likely ionic due to the transfer of electrons from zinc to fluorine.

Key Concepts

Ionic Bonds

Ionic bonds are formed when one atom donates an electron to another atom, resulting in the creation 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. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions holds them together.

Covalent Bonds

Covalent bonds are formed when two atoms share one or more pairs of electrons, allowing each atom to attain a stable electron configuration. This type of bond usually occurs between nonmetals, where the shared electrons enable both atoms to achieve full outer electron shells. The strength of covalent bonds can vary based on the number of shared electron pairs.

Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a chemical bond. In the context of ionic and covalent bonding, a significant difference in electronegativity between two atoms typically indicates the formation of an ionic bond, while a smaller difference suggests a covalent bond. Understanding electronegativity helps predict the type of bond that will form between different elements.