Zinc

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Zinc

Zinc (pronounced /zɪŋk/) is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a slightly brittle metal at room temperature and has a silver-grey appearance.

Etymology

The name Zinc originates from the German word "Zinke", which means "pointed". This is likely a reference to the pointed zinc crystals formed after smelting.

Description

Zinc is a transition metal, similar to titanium and nickel. It is the first element in group 12 of the periodic table. In some respects, zinc is chemically similar to magnesium: both elements exhibit only one normal oxidation state (+2), and the Zn^2+ and Mg^2+ ions are of similar size.

Uses

Zinc is used in various applications, including galvanization, which is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron, to prevent rusting. It is also used in the creation of alloys, such as brass, bronze, and nickel silver.

Health Effects

Zinc is an essential mineral perceived by the public today as being of "exceptional biologic and public health importance", especially regarding prenatal and postnatal development. Zinc deficiency affects about two billion people in the developing world and is associated with many diseases.

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