<p>Zinc is a very useful metal that turns up in everything from sunscreen to paint, & galvanised metals to cereals, as well as brass instruments, says Prof Allan Blackman in ep 97 of Elemental.</p><p>The major use of zinc is to galvanise steel in order to stop it corroding. This is because zinc oxidises more readily than iron, meaning it loses electrons more easily; chemists describe zinc as acting as the sacrificial anode, as oxidation occurs at the anode.</p><p>The transition metal was well-known to the ancients who alloyed zinc and copper to make brass.</p><p>Zinc is also well-known as a UV protector and turns up in sunblock (think cricketers&#x27; noses) as well as paint.</p><p>You can also find zinc in car tyres, added to foods such as cereals and in anti-dandruff shampoo, says Professor Allan Blackman from the Auckland University of Technology, in episode 97 of Elemental.</p><p><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/podcast/elemental?share=elf_audio_2018718815">Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details</a></p>