Zinc (Zn): Fun Facts and Information About the Element

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Fun Facts about Zinc

What is the symbol? Zn
What is the atomic number? 30
What is the atomic weight? 65.39
What is the melting point in Celsius? 420
What is the boiling point in Celsius? 907
What is the density (g/cm3)? 7.13
What year was it discovered? ancient
Who discovered the element? Known since ancient times
What group is the element in? 12
What is the electron configuration? [Ar] 3d10 4s2
What is the ionization energy? 9.3942
What element category is it in? Transition Elements

Where is Zinc Found?

The principal ores of zinc are sphalerite (sulfide), smithsonite (carbonate), calamine (silicate), and franklinite (zinc, manganese, iron oxide). One method of zinc extraction involves roasting its ores to form the oxide and reducing the oxide with coal or carbon, with subsequent distillation of the metal.

What is Zinc Used For?

The metal is employed to form numerous alloys with other metals. Brass, nickel silver, typewriter metal, commercial bronze, spring bronze, German silver, soft solder, and aluminum solder are some of the more important alloys.

Large quantities of zinc are used to produce die castings, which are used extensively by the automotive, electrical, and hardware industries.

Zinc is also used extensively to galvanize other metals such as iron to prevent corrosion. It is widely used in the manufacture of paints, rubber products, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, floor coverings, plastics, printing inks, soap, storage batteries, textiles, electrical equipment, and other products.

Zinc sulfide is used in making luminous dials, X-ray and TV screens, and fluorescent lights.

Zinc is an essential element in the growth of human beings and animals. Tests show that zinc-deficient animals require 50 percent more food to gain the same weight as an animal supplied with sufficient zinc.

Resource by B.Sobey

I am a recent masters graduate from FL. I enjoy the beach, traveling, and writing. I just moved to South Carolina in hopes to find a job as a journalist.

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