Zinc
by Yogi P - October 22, 2023
Zinc: The Workhorse of Metals
Zinc is one of the oldest known metals, having been used for thousands of years by humans. The chemical symbol for zinc is Zn, and it has a wide range of applications in everyday life.
From roofing and cladding, to industrial coatings, to alloys in car manufacturing, zinc is an incredibly versatile metal. In addition, zinc is known to have important health benefits, as it is found naturally in many foods and it is an essential nutrient in humans.
History and Discovery of Zinc:
Zinc has been used by humans for a long time, but it wasn’t until the eighteenth century before it was officially identified as a metal. In 1746, a German chemist named Andreas Sigismund Marggraf first discovered zinc.
Andreas Sigismund Marggraf was studying the metals found in calamine (an old-fashioned term used to describe zinc ore), and during the experimentation he found a unique metal with properties that could not be explained.
Marggraf tested its properties, and after trying it various experiments and found that zinc was actually a separate metal from the calamine.
Properties of Zinc:
- Atomic number : 30
- Symbol : Zn
- Atomic mass : 65.38 g/mol
- Melting point : 419.5 °C
- Boiling point : 907 °C
- Density : 7.14 g/cm3
- Valence electrons : 2
Zinc is a silvery-white metal that is relatively brittle at room temperature. It is malleable when exposed to increased temperatures but does not become liquid like many other metals.
Zinc also corrodes and tarnishes very quickly when exposed to oxygen, hence it is often found in alloyed form with other metals as a protective coating or agent.
Uses of Zinc:
Zinc has numerous applications from industrial to commercial settings. Some of the common uses of zinc include:
| Used in | Description |
|---|---|
| Roofing and Cladding | Zinc is often used as roofing material due to its corrosion resistance, strength, and ability to last for many years. It is also found in cladding on the exterior of buildings. |
| Industrial Coating | Zinc is often used in coatings on galvanized steel to prevent rust. These coatings are generally many times thicker than regular paint and can last many years. |
| Alloys | Zinc is often considered an alloying agent due to its corrosion resistance and strength. It is often used in conjunction with other metals, such as aluminum, to create an alloy that is even more durable. |
| Batteries | Zinc-carbon batteries are one of the most common dry cell batteries and are found in many household and industrial items. |
| Nutritional Supplement | Zinc is an important dietary mineral. It is an essential mineral for humans and is known to help boost the immune system and improve skin health. |
Safety Precautions
As with any metal, zinc can be dangerous if not handled carefully. Exposure to zinc through inhalation of dusts or fumes can be harmful. It is recommended to wear protective equipment such as respiratory and eye protection when handling or working with zinc, particularly in industrial settings.
Additionally, it is important to store zinc in a dry, covered area away from moisture and other elements that may cause it to corrode or tarnish.
Conclusion
Zinc is an incredibly versatile metal that has been used for thousands of years. In modern times, it is used in roofing and cladding, industrial coating, alloys, batteries, and as an essential nutritional supplement.
In order to make the best use of zinc and ensure safety precautions are observed, it is important to adequately store it and take all necessary protective measures.
