Zinc (Zn): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Zinc (Zn): Electron Configuration, Properties and Uses
Electron configuration [Ar] 4s2 3d10 · group 12 · period 4 · Ar 65.38
Zinc data
- Atomic number
- 30
- Relative atomic mass
- 65.38
- Group
- 12
- Period
- 4
- Block
- d
- Category
- Transition metal
- Electron configuration
- [Ar] 4s2 3d10
- Full configuration
- 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10
- Electrons per shell
- 2, 8, 18, 2 (K L M N)
- Valence electrons
- 12
- Electronegativity (Pauling)
- 1.65
- First ionisation energy
- 9.394 eV
- Atomic radius (van der Waals)
- 139 pm
- State at room temperature
- Solid
- Melting point
- 420 °C
- Boiling point
- 907 °C
- Density
- 7.134 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states
- +2
- Discovered
- 1746
Source: PubChem (NIH, accessed 13 Nov 2026); atomic mass: IUPAC standard atomic weight.
Electron shell diagram
K 2 · L 8 · M 18 · N 2
Orbital diagram (outer electrons)
About zinc
Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a transition metal in group 12, period 4, d-block. Zinc was first discovered in 1746. Zinc is a solid at room temperature, melting at 420 °C and boiling at 907 °C.
Zinc electron configuration
The electron configuration of zinc is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10, or in short [Ar] 4s2 3d10. Its electrons occupy 4 shells: K = 2, L = 8, M = 18, N = 2. For transition metals, valence electrons are counted from the 4s and 3d subshells: 2 + 10 = 12, matching group 12. When it forms cations, electrons leave the outermost subshell first: Zn2+ = [Ar] 3d10.
Filling order: 1s2(2) → 2s2(4) → 2p6(10) → 3s2(12) → 3p6(18) → 4s2(20) → 3d10(30)
Uses of zinc
The main uses of zinc include galvanising against rust, zinc-carbon and alkaline batteries, zinc oxide in ointments and sunscreen, and brass. For research and analysis you can browse zinc compounds in the AMI Scientific catalogue.
Safety
Zinc powder can burn, and zinc oxide fumes from welding can cause metal fume fever. Always read the safety data sheet (SDS) before working with a chemical.
Other elements in group 12
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of zinc?
The electron configuration of zinc (Zn, atomic number 30) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10, or [Ar] 4s2 3d10 in short. By shell: 2, 8, 18, 2.
How many valence electrons does zinc have?
Zinc has 12 valence electrons.
Which group and period is zinc in?
Zinc is in group 12, period 4, d-block.
What is the atomic mass of zinc?
The relative atomic mass of zinc is 65.38. Use it to calculate molar mass with the molar mass calculator.
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