30ZnZinc65.382[Ar] 3d¹⁰ 4s²
transition metal

Zinc

Zinc, in commerce also spelter, is a chemical element with symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is the first element of group 12 of the periodic table. In some respects zinc is chemically similar to magnesium:its ion is of similar size and its only common oxidation state is +2.

Electronic structure

A stylized shell model. Electrons are quantum objects, not particles following these literal paths. Sizes and motion are illustrative.

Electrons by shell
Electron configuration
3d10
4s2

18 is the [Ar] core total across three shells.

Properties

At a glance

Atomic number
30
Atomic mass
65.382 u
Phase
Solid
Density
7.14 g/cm³
Melting point
692.68 K
Boiling point
1,180 K
First ionization energy
906.4 kJ/mol
Electronegativity
1.65
Electron affinity
-58 kJ/mol
Molar heat capacity
25.47 J/(mol·K)
Period
4
Appearance
silver-gray

Conditions and isotopes affect measured properties. Some properties of short-lived elements are predicted. Electronegativity uses the Pauling scale.

Keep exploring

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