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Zinc

Key Stage 2

Meaning

Zinc is a metal.

Key Stage 3

Meaning

Zinc is a transition metal element, on the Periodic Table, with an atomic number of 30.

About Zinc

Molecular Structure

Zinc has the chemical symbol Zn.
Zinc atoms join together in large numbers to form a giant metal molecule.

Atomic Structure

Zinc as 30 protons and 35 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an Atomic Number of 30 and an atomic mass of 65.
Zinc is in Period 4 of the Periodic Table because it has 4 electron shells.

Properties

Zinc is a metal element so it is a good thermal conductor and a good electrical conductor.
Zinc is a shiny solid at room temperature.
Zinc is malleable.
Zinc is sonorous.
Zinc is ductile.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Zinc is a transition metal element, on the Periodic Table, with 30 protons in the nucleus.

About Zinc

Molecular Structure

Zinc has the chemical formula Zn.
Zinc atoms join together in a giant metallic structure.

Atomic Structure

The most stable isotope of Zinc has 35 neutrons in its nucleus giving it an atomic mass of 65.
Zinc is in Period 4 of the Periodic Table because it has 4 electron shells.
Zinc loses electrons to form positive metal ions.

Properties

Zinc forms ionic bonds with non-metals.
Zinc is a metal element so it is a good thermal conductor and a good electrical conductor.
Zinc is a shiny solid at standard temperature and pressure and has a high melting point.
Zinc is malleable.
Zinc is sonorous.
Zinc is ductile.

References

AQA

Zinc, page 221, GCSE Chemistry; Third Edition, Oxford University Press, AQA
Zinc, pages 35, 130, 134, 139, 182, 208, 339-40, GCSE Chemistry; Student Book, Collins, AQA

OCR

Zinc, pages 214, 215, 219, Gateway GCSE Chemistry, Oxford, OCR