Zinc Facts & Worksheets

Zinc is a chemical element belonging to group 12 of the Periodic Table and is considered a transition metal. It is also a vitamin that serves numerous critical roles in the body. Because your body doesn’t generate zinc, you must get it through diet or supplements.

See the fact file below for more information on Zinc, or you can download our 32-page Zinc worksheet pack to utilize within the classroom or home environment.

Key Facts & Information

What is Zinc? 

• Zinc is a widespread element that plays an essential role in biology and has a wide range of applications in industry, particularly as an alloy component in metals.
• Its atomic number is 30, and its symbol is Zn. Its original name in German was Zink, which came from the word Zinken, which means “teeth” or “peaks,” referring to the jagged appearance of the calamine mineral, which contains a significant amount of this element.
• It is a metal considered to be moderately reactive. It possesses four metastable states and radioactive isotopes with a half-life of fewer than fourteen hours (except for a couple).

Discovery of Zinc 

• Between the years 1742 and 1746, zinc was first successfully extracted.
• Zinc has been known to mankind since ancient times, long before the knowledge of its fundamental properties. 
• In the ancient region of Transylvania, artifacts made of brass have been discovered that contain as much as 87% zinc.
• The Romans referred to it as aurichalcum, which could be produced by heating a crucible containing cadmium (calamine) and copper.
• Even though it was frequently confused with bismuth, the Swiss scientist Paracelsus claimed, in the 16th century, that it was a metal with its qualities, which he dubbed zincum. Despite this, it was a common misconception that zinc was bismuth.
• After heating calamine, zinc was extracted first in 1742 and 1746 by Anton von Swab and Andreas Marggraf, respectively. Because the book that Marggraf wrote was so detailed, many generally acknowledge him as the person who first discovered this metal.

Zinc’s chemical properties

• Zinc is a metallic element that is extremely active chemically and is identical to magnesium and cadmium in appearance.
• Its compounds are almost usually divalent, and when it reacts with acids, it produces cations (Zn 2+) by giving off hydrogen atoms and turning into zinc ions.
• On the other hand, it is soluble in solutions that are quite alkaline, and it forms tetrahydroxozincates when it does so (Zn[OH] 4 2- ).
• It is combustible, but only with much effort; it burns with a greenish-blue flame and gives off a fume that smells like zinc oxide (ZnO). If there is no humidity in the air, the zinc scarcely reacts with it, but if there is humidity in the air, it oxidizes the zinc.

Zinc’s structural and chemical characteristics

• Zinc is a metal that can have a silvery or grayish appearance, and because it is malleable, ductile, and only moderately hard, it can be rolled out and stretched without much difficulty.
• It has a melting point of 419.5 degrees Celsius, a boiling point of 907 degrees Celsius and is not ferromagnetic. Additionally, it is an excellent conductor of both heat and electricity.
• Its density of 7.13 grams per cubic centimeter is higher than that of water, which is 0.998 grams per cubic centimeter. On the other hand, it exhibits the properties of an electrical superconductor when heated to a temperature of 0.91 degrees Kelvin.

How to obtain Zinc

• The dry method works very well with ores that have a significant amount of iron in them.
• Zinc is the 23rd most frequent element found in the crust of the Earth. It is most commonly found as zinc sulfide (ZnS) in the minerals known as sphalerite or sphalerite, calamine, hemimorphite, and franklinite. Zinc is also the element with the 23rd-highest melting point.
• There are proven reserves of this metal in several nations that total up to 2,000 million tons and are dispersed around the world.
• After the zinc-containing minerals have been removed, one of two methods can be utilized in order to acquire the element in a concentrated form:
  • Dry way. It involves roasting the ore to transform the sulfides into oxides (calcine), and then reducing them with charcoal. This method is most effective for ores that contain a high concentration of iron.
  • Wet manner: After the ores have been roasted, they are subjected to treatment with diluted sulfuric acid, which results in the production of lye that are phase-separable.
• After this, the zinc sulfate that has been produced is electrolyzed with lead and aluminum, which results in the formation of zinc plates that are completely free of impurities.

Zinc uses

• Zinc has widespread applications in human industry, particularly in the form of alloys for the processing of various other metals. The following are some of the many uses for this element:
  • Galvanized iron, which serves as a protection against corrosion.
  • The creation of brass, which is an alloy consisting of zinc and copper. This material is used to make things such as containers and parts for watches, among other things.
  • Zinc sheets that can be used for roofing as well as other applications in the building industry.
  • The manufacturing of batteries that are used in computers, missiles, and space capsules
  • The production of lacquers, paints, and enamels (zinc powder is used).
  • As an additive in the metallurgy of precious metals, also used to separate silver from lead.
  • As an input for the pharmaceutical industry, also used as a nutritional supplement and for other medical purposes.

Toxic effects of zinc

• Zinc itself is not a dangerous metal, but certain zinc derivatives, such as zinc oxide and zinc sulfide, are.
• Additionally, the emission of zinc particles can cause electromagnetic fields and electronic equipment to become disrupted.
• Zinc is an element that is essential for life, but consuming an excessive amount of it can lead to several health problems.

The significance of zinc in living organisms

• Zinc deficiency has been linked to hair thinning and loss.
• Zinc is essential for the majority of the biochemical processes that occur in the body, particularly the development of bone and muscle tissue.
• Because it is one of the metals engaged in synaptic transmission (between neurons) and in various enzymatic processes, it is an essential component in the communication that occurs within the cell.
• A lack of it can lead to emotional problems, memory loss, or a reduction in focus, all of which are symptoms of a dysfunctional neurological system.
• These issues can be caused by a lack of zinc. In addition to this, it has been linked to thinning hair, brittle nails, general fatigue, and even a diminished desire to engage in sexual activity.

Health benefits of zinc 

• Accelerates healing: Hospitals utilize zinc to treat burns, ulcers, and other skin ailments.
• This mineral is essential for healing since it helps collagen formation, immunological function, and inflammation.
• Your skin contains 5% of your body’s zinc. Zinc deficiency slows wound healing, while supplementation speeds recovery.
• Boosts immunity: As it’s needed for immune cell activity and cell signaling, a shortage might impair the immune system.
• Zinc boosts immunity and reduces oxidative damage.
• Zinc supplements minimize illness risk and boost immunity in older persons.
• May reduce age-related diseases: Zinc may prevent age-related disorders such as pneumonia, infection, and AMD.
• Zinc may reduce oxidative stress and increase immunological response by increasing T-cells and natural killer cells.
• With zinc as a supplement, you increase flu vaccine response, lower pneumonia risk, and boost mental function.
• Anti-inflammatory: Zinc minimizes oxidative stress and inflammation.
• Oxidative stress causes chronic inflammation, which contributes to heart disease, cancer, and mental deterioration.
• In 40 older people, 45 mg of zinc per day reduced inflammatory markers more than a placebo.
• Acne treatments: Acne affects 9.4% of the world’s population.
• Oil-producing gland blockage, germs, and inflammation cause acne.
• According to studies, topical and oral zinc therapies reduce inflammation, restrict P. acne development, and lower oily gland activity.
• Acne sufferers have less zinc. Supplements may reduce symptoms.

Source of Zinc

• Zinc, an essential mineral for human health, can be obtained from a variety of foods. Shellfish and crustaceans, in general, especially mussels, oysters, shrimp, and prawns, as well as other shellfish, are good sources of zinc.
• Both dark and light meats, including beef, pork, lamb, and poultry (including organ meats).
• The yellow part of egg yolks.
• Fish.
• Legumes, seeds, nuts, and wheat germ, albeit in extremely minute quantities.

Zinc-containing compounds

• Zinc is an extremely reactive metal, and it almost always produces oxides, the most common of which is zinc oxide (ZnO), which is one of the semiconductors that sees the most widespread application.
• Zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), zinc chloride (ZnCl 2), and zinc sulfide (ZnS) are some more well-known compounds. Each of these compounds has a variety of applications in human-made industries.

Zinc Worksheets

This fantastic bundle includes everything you need to know about Zinc across 32 in-depth pages. These ready-to-use worksheets are perfect for teaching kids about Zinc, the chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30, and also called a transition metal.

Complete List of Included Worksheets

Below is a list of all the worksheets included in this document.

• Zinc Facts
• Name the Compound 
• Zn in Periodic Table 
• True or False
• Zinc in Your Mind
• Let the Drawing Zinc In
• Fight the Deficiency 
• Elaborate the Ideas
• Concentration 
• Draw the Source 
• Zinc In 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is zinc?

Zinc is a metallic element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a naturally occurring mineral that is essential for human health.

What are the benefits of zinc?

Zinc is important for the immune system, wound healing, and cell growth and division. It also helps the body process carbohydrates, protein, and fat.

What are good sources of zinc?

Oysters contain more zinc per serving than any other food, but red meat and poultry provide the majority of zinc in the American diet. Other good sources include beans, nuts, whole grains, and dairy products.

What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency?

Symptoms of zinc deficiency can include delayed wound healing, decreased sense of taste and smell, and a weakened immune system.

What is the recommended daily intake of zinc?

The recommended daily intake of zinc for adult men is 11mg and 8mg for adult women. Pregnant and lactating women require slightly more. It’s always best to consult a doctor or a dietitian to know the right amount for you.

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