Zinc (Zn)
"Meet Captain Zinc, the unsung hero who tirelessly shields other metals from rust and supercharges your body's immune system. He's the ultimate protector, always ready to lend his powers of defense!"
A memorable persona to anchor Zn in your mind.
7.14
Grams per cm³
419.527
Celsius (°C)
139
Radius (pm)
Daily Life Link
That shiny coating on a metal bucket, a fence, or even in some sunscreens? Yep, that's often Zinc keeping things protected!
Discovery & History
Year Discovered
1746
Discovered By
Andreas Sigismund Marggraf
Origin of Name
"The name is derived from the German, 'zinc', which may in turn be derived from the Persian word 'sing', meaning stone."
Technical Properties
Atomic Mass
65.38 u
Standard State
solid
Boiling Point
907°C
Electron Configuration
[Ar] 3d104s2
1st Ionization Energy
9.394 eV
Electron Affinity
N/A
Oxidation States
"A lustrous, bluish-white metal that, when exposed to air, often develops a dull gray protective coating."
Did You Know?
Rust Buster Extraordinaire! Zinc's most famous job is galvanizing steel, creating an invincible barrier that stops rust in its tracks. Without Zinc, our bridges and cars would crumble way faster!
Immunity Idol! This mighty metal is an absolute superstar for your immune system, helping you fight off infections and heal wounds faster. Got a cold? Zinc might just be your secret weapon!
Enzyme's Essential Co-pilot! Zinc is a critical partner for over 300 enzymes in your body – that's like being the essential wrench for hundreds of vital biological machines making everything run smoothly!
Taste & Smell MVP! Ever wondered how you truly savor your favorite pizza or smell freshly baked cookies? Zinc is crucial for your senses of taste and smell to work properly. Without it, food would just be... blah.