Zinc (Zn)
Zinc (Zn, element 30) is a transition metal in group 12, period 4. Atomic mass 65.38, electron configuration [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s², uses and facts.
About Zinc
Zinc is a transition metal with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 12, period 4 of the periodic table. Zinc was discovered in 1746 by Andreas Sigismund Marggraf.
Zinc key facts
- Atomic number: 30
- Symbol: Zn
- Atomic mass: 65.38 u
- Category: transition metal
- Group: 12
- Period: 4
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s²
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 1.65
- Melting point: 692.68 K (419.53 °C)
- Boiling point: 1180 K (906.85 °C)
- Density: 7.14 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: 0, +1, +2
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of zinc is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s². The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells.
Uses of zinc
- Galvanizing steel
- Sunscreen
- Immune system
Did you know?
You need zinc to smell and taste things. Zinc deficiency causes loss of taste and smell.
Other elements in group 12 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of zinc?
The atomic number of zinc is 30, which means every zinc atom has 30 protons.
What is the electron configuration of zinc?
The electron configuration of zinc is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s².
What group and period is zinc in?
Zinc is a transition metal in group 12, period 4.
What state is zinc at room temperature?
Zinc is a solid at room temperature.
What is zinc used for?
Zinc is used for galvanizing steel, sunscreen, immune system.