Zinc (Zn)
Transition metal
Zinc quietly protects the world's steel: galvanising (a thin zinc coating) stops rust by corroding first. It is also essential to life, supporting hundreds of enzymes and a healthy immune system.
Position on the periodic table
Atomic properties
| Atomic number | 30 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 65.382 amu |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 |
| Noble gas shorthand | [Ar] 3d10 4s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 2 |
| Valence electrons (outer shell) | 2 |
| Common oxidation states | +2 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.65 |
| Covalent radius (approx.) | 122 pm |
| First ionization energy | 906.4 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -58 kJ/mol |
Physical properties
| State at 25 °C | Solid |
|---|---|
| Density | 7.14 g/cm³ |
| Melting point | 419.53 °C (692.68 K) |
| Boiling point | 906.85 °C (1180 K) |
| Appearance | silver-gray |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | Occurs naturally |
Electron configuration of zinc
Zinc's ground-state electron configuration is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10, usually shortened to [Ar] 3d10 4s2. Its electrons occupy 4 shells (2, 8, 18, 2), placing it in period 4 of the d-block. Explore it interactively in the electron configuration calculator.
Uses of zinc
- Galvanising steel against rust
- Brass (copper-zinc alloy)
- Die-cast parts for cars and toys
- Zinc oxide in sunscreen, ointments and rubber
Biological role: Essential — hundreds of enzymes need zinc; it supports immunity, wound healing, taste and smell.
Occurrence: Mined mainly as sphalerite (zinc sulfide).
Common compounds of zinc
History and discovery
Discovered: 1746 — India. Name origin: Probably from German Zinke (“spike”), for the jagged shapes of smelted zinc.
Brass was made for millennia before zinc was recognised; Andreas Marggraf's 1746 isolation is the usual European milestone.
Safety notes
Dietary zinc is essential; inhaling zinc oxide fumes from welding galvanised steel causes “metal fume fever”.
Educational context only — always follow your school's laboratory rules and never handle chemicals without proper supervision. See our disclaimer.
Practice questions
Quick practice: Zinc
1. What is the chemical symbol of Zinc?
2. What is the atomic number of Zinc?
3. Which category does Zinc belong to?
4. What is the state of Zinc at room temperature?
5. Which period of the periodic table is Zinc in?
Zinc FAQs
What is the atomic number of zinc?
Zinc's atomic number is 30 — every zinc atom has 30 protons in its nucleus.
What is the symbol for zinc?
Zn. Probably from German Zinke (“spike”), for the jagged shapes of smelted zinc.
Is zinc a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Zinc is classified as a transition metal.
What state is zinc at room temperature?
At about 25 °C, zinc is a solid. It melts at 419.53 °C.
What is zinc used for?
Key uses include: galvanising steel against rust; brass (copper-zinc alloy); die-cast parts for cars and toys.
Related elements
Keep working with this element
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