Zinc (Zn)
Zinc is element 30, a transition metal in period 4, group 12 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Ar] 3d10 4s2
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 2
Zinc data
| Atomic number | 30 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Zn |
| Atomic mass | 65.38 u |
| Category | Transition metal |
| Group | 12 |
| Period | 4 |
| Block | d |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 693 K (419.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 1180 K (906.9 °C) |
| Density | 7.14 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.65 |
| Atomic radius | 131 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 906 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | 0 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | +2 |
| Common ion charge | 2+ |
| Discovered | 1746 |
Orbital diagram
Each box is one orbital holding up to two electrons of opposite spin. Following Hund’s rule, electrons spread out singly across a subshell before pairing.
Work through zinc’s configuration and its ions →
Where zinc sits
Zinc belongs to the transition metals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 1.65 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Zinc FAQ
What is the electron configuration of zinc?
Zinc (Z = 30) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Ar] 3d10 4s2.
How many valence electrons does zinc have?
12 (2 outer s + 10 d electrons; 2 in the outermost shell).
What is the atomic mass of zinc?
The standard atomic weight of zinc is 65.38 u, so one mole weighs 65.38 g.
Is zinc a metal?
Yes. Zinc is a transition metal.
What is the charge of a zinc ion?
Zinc most commonly forms Zn2+.