Zn
Zinc is an essential trace element and widely used for galvanizing steel against corrosion.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 65.38 u |
| Density | 7.134 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 692.68 K |
| Boiling Point | 1180.0 K |
| Appearance | Silver-gray metallic |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 1.65 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 906.4 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | -58.0 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +2 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [Ar] 3d10 4s2 |
| Atomic Radius | 134.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 122.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 139.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Andreas Sigismund Marggraf |
| Discovery Year | 1746 |
| Location | Berlin, Germany |
| Named After | German 'Zinke' meaning prong or tooth |
About Zinc
Zinc is a slightly brittle metal with a silvery-gray appearance. It is essential for humans, animals, and plants, playing key roles in immune function and wound healing.
Uses & Applications
Galvanizing steel, brass alloy, batteries, dietary supplements, and sunscreen (zinc oxide).
Fun Fact
The US penny has been mostly zinc since 1982 -- it is 97.5% zinc with just a thin copper plating.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 64 | 0.4917% | - | Yes |
| 66 | 0.2773% | - | Yes |
| 67 | 0.0404% | - | Yes |
| 68 | 0.1845% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[Ar] 3d10 4s2