Zinc (Zn)
Transition metal · d-block · period 4 · group 12
Bluish-white, moderately hard metal.
Zinc (symbol Zn) is chemical element number 30, a transition metal in group 12, period 4 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 65.38 and its electron configuration is [Ar] 3d10 4s2. At room temperature it is a solid. Galvanising — a zinc coating — protects steel from rust by corroding in its place.
Properties
| Atomic number | 30 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 65.38 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Block | d-block |
| Group · Period | 12 · 4 |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d10 4s2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 2 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 692.68 K |
| Boiling point | 1180 K |
| Density | 7.14 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.65 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | 1746 · Andreas Sigismund Marggraf |
Key facts about Zinc
- Galvanising — a zinc coating — protects steel from rust by corroding in its place.
- One side of a common battery is a zinc case that is slowly eaten away.
- An essential trace element for hundreds of enzymes and for immune function.
- Brass is copper alloyed with zinc.
What Zinc is used for
Galvanising steel, batteries, brass, die-cast parts, sunscreen and skin creams, dietary supplements.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Zinc is in group 12, period 4, of the d-block. Its electron configuration [Ar] 3d10 4s2 means its outermost shell holds 2 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Zinc on the interactive table →
Zinc — frequently asked questions
What is Zinc used for?
Galvanising steel, batteries, brass, die-cast parts, sunscreen and skin creams, dietary supplements.
Is Zinc radioactive?
No. Zinc has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Zinc?
Zinc has the electron configuration [Ar] 3d10 4s2, which is 2, 8, 18, 2 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Zinc in?
Zinc is in group 12, period 4, in the d-block. Its outer shell holds 2 electrons.
Who discovered Zinc?
Zinc was discovered in 1746 by Andreas Sigismund Marggraf.