Zinc (symbol Zn, atomic number 30) is the metal used to galvanise steel against rust and an essential dietary mineral. It is classified as a transition metal and sits in group 12, period 4 of the periodic table.
Overview
Zinc is the chemical element with atomic number 30 and the symbol Zn. With a standard atomic weight of 65.38, it is a transition metal. In the periodic table it occupies group 12 and period 4, and under standard conditions it is normally a solid. Zinc is the metal used to galvanise steel against rust and an essential dietary mineral.
Atomic structure
An atom of Zinc has 30 protons in its nucleus and, when neutral, 30 electrons arranged in the configuration [Ar] 3d10 4s2. Its standard atomic weight of 65.38 reflects the natural mix of its stable isotopes.
Discovery and place in the table
Zinc was discovered in 1746 by Andreas Sigismund Marggraf. It follows Copper (Cu) and precedes Gallium (Ga) in order of atomic number.
| Atomic number | 30 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Zn |
| Atomic mass | 65.38 |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Group | 12 |
| Period | 4 |
| Electron configuration | [Ar] 3d10 4s2 |
| Phase at STP | Solid |
| Discovered | 1746 (Andreas Sigismund Marggraf) |