This element is a metal. it is sometimes classified as a transition metal, although basically that is not because the metal and its positive ion have the full orbital set. One of its most important applications is the galvanizing of steel.
This element is characterized by a bluish and white tint, it burns in the air with a bluish-green flame. It is not attacked by dry air, but in the presence of humidity it creates a surface layer of basic carbonate or oxide which insulates the metal, protecting it from corrosion. Basically the only oxidation state it has is +2. It reacts with non-oxidizing acids, going through the +2 oxidation state and leaving free hydrogen to dissolve in acetic acid and bases.
The metal has a high resistance to cold plastic deformation which minimizes when hot, requiring it to be rolled above 100 degrees centigrade. It is not possible to harden zinc by work hardening. It is composed of a creep phenomenon at room temperature, distinguishing itself from almost all alloys and metals.
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Electron configuration of zinc
zinc applications
The main application of this element is the galvanization of steel which protects it from corrosion. This protection is used when the coating cracks because the zinc functions as a sacrificial anode. The other utilities are:
- Integrated castings in the automotive industry.
- Zn-C batteries used in the aerospace industry for space capsules and missiles for their optimum performance in air-zinc batteries and portable computer weight units.
- In the creation of oil paintings, for the creation of transparencies in the paintings and the manufacture of the white color of the element.
- Extraction of silver from lead and metallurgy of precious metals.
- It is used in anodes as a sacrificial element to prevent corrosion of other metal areas in ships, water tanks, etc.
- This element is also used in the manufacture of building sheets and in galvanizing them with a pattern to prevent excessive bending. Also called wavy or wavy. Because their material is of poor quality, they are cheap. Therefore, the sheets of this material are used in the construction of cattle farms or improvised houses, commonly known as sheds or ranches.
- Zinc is used in alloys of alpaca, brass, hallucinogen, cupro-nickel zinc, tombac, virenium, among others.
Zinc Precautions
Zinc oxide is the most used and best known in industry, mainly as a base for white pigments in paint, but also in sun creams and in the rubber industry. Other important compounds are zinc sulphide, zinc chloride and zinc sulphate.
Obtaining and abundance of zinc
In 2011, the global production of this element reached a total of 12.40 million metric tons. China is the main producing country, followed by Peru and then Australia. This element is the 23rd most abundant element in nature. The minerals from which this element is extracted are zinc sulphide, carbonate, silicate, oxide and calamine.