Periodic Table of WIS

Zinc Zn

 

Where is zinc used--or where does it impact our everyday lives?

 

Used for protecting iron objects from rusting with a thin layer of zinc on the surface.  The iron object is dipped into molten zinc, which stays on the surface of the iron and crystallizes into the characteristic pattern--look closely at zinc buckets, etc.  The crystals aren't easy to see on galvanized nails.

 

Zinc    Symbol: Zn
Atomic number: 30     

Atomic Mass: 65.39

Position on the periodic table:

Group number 12     Period number 4

 
Melting point:     419.5°C  (787.1°F)
Boiling point:      907°C   (1664.6°F)

Reaction with air (oxygen): Strong heating needed for zinc powder to burn into oxygen.

zinc + oxygen ---> zinc oxide

Reaction with water: Zinc has no reaction with cold water.

Zinc reacts to steam to give zinc oxide and hydrogen gas.
zinc + steam ---> zinc oxide + hydrogen

Electron configuration:[Ar]  4s2   3d10
Source: LANL.gov

Researcher Julia D-Y

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above is a picture of the galvanized support of a boat lift--again look at the crystallized nature of the zinc coating

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Right: English teacher Ms. B holding a galvanized zinc bracket

Below: Math teachers Ms. R and Ms. H with a galvanized zinc bucket

 

 

 

 

 

Mixed with copper in different percentages (so it's a mixture not a compound), zinc makes the alloy brass.