Final answer:
ZnCl₂ is correctly named as Zinc(II) chloride, indicating zinc's +2 oxidation state and its pairing with two chloride ions in the compound.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct name for ZnCl₂ is Zinc(II) chloride. This naming convention indicates that zinc has a valency of 2, which means each zinc atom pairs with two chloride ions to form the compound. The (II) in the name Zinc(II) chloride signifies the +2 oxidation state of the zinc ion in the compound.
The chemical equation for the reaction of zinc metal with hydrochloric acid is Zn(s) + 2HCl(aq) → ZnCl₂(aq) + H₂(g). In this reaction, zinc displaces the hydrogen from hydrochloric acid, forming aqueous zinc chloride and releasing hydrogen gas. Since zinc is an active metal, it readily participates in redox reactions such as this.