Zinc (Zn): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Zinc is element 30 on the periodic table, a transition metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DZinc quick facts
| Atomic number | 30 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Zn |
| Atomic mass | 65.38 |
| Category | Transition Metal |
| Group and period | Group 12, period 4 |
| Block | d-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s² |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 2 |
| Discovered | 1746, Marggraf |
What is zinc used for?
- Galvanising steel against rust
- Die casting for automotive parts
- Zinc oxide in sunscreen
Interesting facts about zinc
- Zinc-finger proteins, which control many of your genes, each need zinc atoms
- Zinc deficiency affects about 2 billion people worldwide. Stunts growth and weakens immunity
- The human body contains about 2-3g of zinc. Mostly in muscles and bone
Zinc was discovered in 1746 by Marggraf in Germany.
Where zinc sits on the periodic table
Zinc is in group 12, period 4. Tap any element to open its page.
Other transition metals
Zinc questions
What is the atomic number of zinc?
Zinc has atomic number 30, so every zinc atom has 30 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Zn and its atomic mass is 65.38.
Is zinc a metal?
Zinc is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as a transition metal, found in group 12, period 4.
What is the electron configuration of zinc?
The electron configuration of zinc is [Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s². Its electrons sit in 4 shells: 2, 8, 18, 2.
What is zinc used for?
Zinc is used for galvanising steel against rust, die casting for automotive parts and zinc oxide in sunscreen.
Who discovered zinc?
Zinc was discovered in 1746 by Marggraf in Germany.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.