3065.38ZnZinc
Zinc (Zn) — element 30transition metal · group 12, period 4
Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a transition metal in group 12, period 4 of the periodic table (the d-block), with a standard atomic mass of 65.38 u. At room temperature (25 °C) zinc is a solid.
💡 Known for: Protects steel from rust by galvanising, is used in brass and is essential for the immune system.
# Zinc properties
| Symbol | Zn |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 30 |
| Atomic mass | 65.38 u |
| Category | transition metal |
| Group | 12 |
| Period | 4 |
| Block | d-block |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² |
| Full configuration | 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 2 |
| Protons / electrons | 30 / 30 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 692.68 K (419.5 °C, 787.2 °F) |
| Boiling point | 1180 K (906.9 °C, 1664.3 °F) |
| Density | 7.134 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.65 |
| First ionization energy | 9.394 eV |
| Atomic radius | 142 pm |
| Discovered | known since ancient times |
# Electron configuration of zinc
The electron configuration of zinc is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s², written out in full as 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s². Its 30 electrons fill 4 shells as 2, 8, 18, 2, so the outermost shell holds 2 electrons.
# Related elements
CuCopperprevious elementGaGalliumnext elementCdCadmiumgroup 12HgMercurygroup 12CnCoperniciumgroup 12ScScandiumtransition metalTiTitaniumtransition metalVVanadiumtransition metalCrChromiumtransition metalMnManganesetransition metalFeIrontransition metalCoCobalttransition metalNiNickeltransition metal
# Zinc FAQ
What is the atomic number of zinc?
The atomic number of zinc is 30: every zinc atom has 30 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Zn.
What is the atomic mass of zinc?
The standard atomic mass of zinc is 65.38 u.
What is the electron configuration of zinc?
Zinc's electron configuration is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² (1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s²), with 2, 8, 18, 2 electrons per shell.
Is zinc a metal?
Yes. Zinc is a transition metal, one of the metals.
What is the melting point of zinc?
Zinc melts at 692.68 K (419.5 °C, 787.2 °F) and boils at 1180 K (906.9 °C, 1664.3 °F).
What is zinc used for / known for?
Protects steel from rust by galvanising, is used in brass and is essential for the immune system.