Here's how to figure that out:
* Zinc (Zn) is a metal, and it typically forms a +2 cation (Zn²⁺).
* Chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal, and it typically forms a -1 anion (Cl⁻).
* To balance the charges, you need two chloride ions (2 x -1 = -2) to match the +2 charge of the zinc ion.
Therefore, the formula for zinc chloride is ZnCl₂.