About

Zinc is a bluish-white metal that is essential for life, playing a crucial role in many enzymes. Its main application is galvanizing steel—coating it with a layer of zinc that sacrificially corrodes to protect the steel from rust. It is also a key component of the alloy brass (with copper) and is used in die-casting, batteries, and as a dietary supplement to support the immune system.

Atomic Properties

Atomic Number30

Atomic Weight65.38 u

Neutrons (common)35

Electron Configuration[Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s²

Full Configuration1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p⁶ 3d¹⁰ 4s²

Electrons per Shell2, 8, 18, 2

Electronegativity1.65

Electron Affinity0 kJ/mol

Oxidation States+2

Covalent Radius122 pm

Van der Waals Radius139 pm

Ionic Radius74 pm

Periodic Table Position

Group12

Period4

BlockD

Chemical SeriesTransition metals

Physical Properties

State at STPsolid

Appearancesilvery-greyish-blue, brittle metal at room temperature

Crystal Structurehcp

Magnetic Orderingdiamagnetic

Speed of Sound3,850 m/s

Poisson Ratio0.25

Thermal Properties

Melting Point692.68 K

Boiling Point1,180 K

Thermal Expansion30.2 1/K

Thermal Conductivity116 W/(m·K)

Specific Heat0.388 J/(g·K)

Molar Heat25.47 J/(mol·K)

Heat of Fusion7.32 kJ/mol

Heat of Vaporization115 kJ/mol

Abundance

In Earth's Crust79 ppm

In Ocean0 ppm

In Solar System1.3 ppm

In Human Body33 ppm

In Universe4 ppm

Discovery

Discovered byAndreas Sigismund Marggraf

Discovery Year1,746

Occurrenceprimordial

CAS Number7440-66-6

Electron Configuration

Energy

↿⇂

Isotopes of Zinc

Symbol ▲	Mass (u) ▲	Abundance ▲	Half-life ▲	Decay Mode ▲
⁶⁴Zn	63.929140	48.63%	Stable	Stable
⁶⁵Zn	64.929241	—	243.94 d	Electron Capture, Positron Emission
⁶⁶Zn	65.926030	27.9%	Stable	Stable
⁶⁷Zn	66.927130	4.1%	Stable	Stable
⁶⁸Zn	67.924840	18.75%	Stable	Stable
⁷⁰Zn	69.925320	0.62%	Stable	Stable

Interactive Visualization

Explore the 3D Bohr model of Zinc in our interactive viewer.

View 3D Model of Zinc