Final answer:
The electron configuration for zinc is [Ar]4s²3d¹⁰, and for a Zn²+ ion, it is [Ar]3d¹⁰.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electron configuration for zinc is [Ar]4s²3d¹⁰. When zinc forms a Zn²+ ion, it loses the two electrons in its 4s orbital, resulting in the configuration [Ar]3d¹⁰. This is considered a pseudo-noble-gas electron configuration, lending stability to the Zn²+ ion without altering the complete d orbital.
To summarize, the neutral atomic configuration for zinc is [Ar]4s²3d¹⁰, and upon ionization to Zn²+, it changes to [Ar]3d¹⁰.