Element 30
Zinc
Transition metals
Zinc (Zn) is in the d-block of the periodic table — group 12, period 4.
Zinc, in commerce also spelter, is a chemical element with symbol Zn and atomic number 30.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 30
- Atomic mass
- 65.382 u
- Group / Period
- 12 / 4
- Block
- d-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 7.14 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 419.5 °C
- Boiling point
- 906.9 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Ar] 3d10 4s2
Periodic table block
Zinc is in the d-block (group 12, period 4). Elements land in the d-block when their highest-energy electrons fill a d subshell — these are the transition metals in the middle of the table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Galvanized steel
- •Cold-fighting lozenges
- •Brass
Discovery
Year: Known since antiquity
Discovered by: India
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Zinc?
Zinc has atomic number 30. Its symbol is Zn and its atomic mass is 65.382 u.
What category of element is Zinc?
Zinc is classified as transition metals. It sits in group 12, period 4 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Zinc in?
Zinc is in the d-block (group 12, period 4). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the d subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Ar] 3d10 4s2.
What is Zinc used for?
Common uses of Zinc include: Galvanized steel, Cold-fighting lozenges, Brass.
When was Zinc discovered?
Zinc has been known since antiquity.
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