Question

The formula of Zinc Nitrate is \[Z{n_2}{\left( {N{O_3}} \right)_2}.\]
A) True
B) False.

Answer 1

Hint:Zinc nitrate is formed by ionic bonding between zinc ions and nitrate ions. It is an inorganic compound. The oxidation state of zinc is $ + 2$ and the oxidation state of nitrate is $ + 1$ and hence there should exist two nitrate ions per one zinc ion.


Complete solution:
The statement given to us states that the formula of Zinc nitrate is \[Z{n_2}{\left( {N{O_3}} \right)_2}.\]
The compound zinc nitrate consists of ionic bonds between zinc ions and nitrate ions.
We can write the formula for zinc ion as $Z{n^{ + 2}}$ since zinc exists in $ + 2$ oxidation state.
We can also write the formula of nitrate ion as $N{O_3}^ - $
Since the charge on zinc ions is $ + 2$ and the nitrate ion is only $ - 1$, one zinc ion can bond with two nitrate ions.
So, now we can write the formula for zinc nitrate as $Zn{\left( {N{O_3}} \right)_2}$
Therefore,the correct option is (B).


Additional information: The molecular mass of zinc nitrate is $189.36g/mol$. Zinc nitrate usually exists in its hydrate form by forming a hexahydrate with water meaning that there are six water molecules attached to one zinc nitrate molecule. When zinc nitrate is heated at high temperatures, it disintegrates to zinc oxide, nitrogen oxide and oxygen.


Note: Zinc nitrate is prepared by treating zinc with dilute nitric acid. Zinc nitrate is used as an oxidizing agent meaning that it can oxidize another compound and reduce itself in the process. It is mostly used in the preparation of coordination polymers.