Question

TYPED RESPONSE ONLY

Choose a metal to describe in depth; do not choose a nonmetal already selected by another student. Include information on its discovery, history, abundance, physical and chemical properties, and uses or applications.

Answer 1

Let us select zinc as an example of metal.

Zinc is an important metal having the symbol Zn and atomic number 30.

It was discovered by Andreas Marggraf and identified as an element in 1746.

Information about Zinc

• It belongs to Group 12
• Period 4
• d- block
• Electrons per shell: 2, 8,18,2
• Appearance: silver grey
• Atomic er: 65.38g/mol
• Melting point: 692.68 K
• Boiling point: 1180K
• Density: 7.134 (g/cm​​​​3​)
• Oxidation state: +2
• The most common zinc ore available is sphalerite)
• It burns in air and a bluish green flame is observed with fumes of zinc oxide
• It readily reacts with alkali, acids and other non- metals( chlorine, oxygen etc)

Uses:

It is used to galvanise other metals ( like iron). This prevents the rusting of iron. It is also used to galvanise steel which serves as car body parts

It is used in dye- casting and as alloys of brass, nickel and silver

Zinc oxide is used for the manufacturing products like paints, rubber, cosmetics, plastics, soap, batteries etc.

Biological role:

It is essential for living beings. It is an important active site component of several metallo- enzymes.

Zinc deficiency leads to hair loss, hypogonadism, eye skin lesions

History:

Zinc was available during the Roman era but there was little knowledge of its utility.

It obtained recognition as a metal in India where it was refined and used during 1100 to 1500 period.

Zinc refining was also carried out in China during 1500s.

There are reports of its usage to make alloys during the East India company rule to manufacture cargo ships.