Zinc (Zn)

About Zinc

Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30, meaning every atom has 30 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 65.38 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Zinc sits in group 12, period 4, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Zinc

In daily life and industry, Zinc is used for Galvanizing, corrugated zinc roofs. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Transition metal category.

Electron Structure of Zinc

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Zinc has 4 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 2 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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