This section is from the book "Applied Science For Metal Workers", by William H. Dooley. Also available from Amazon: Applied Science For Metal Workers.
Air attacks zinc very slowly and even the pressure of moisture forms only a basic carbonate which acts as a protective coating. Consequently, only the outer layer is affected. When heated, zinc burns in the air forming zinc oxide. Dilute hydrochloric and sulphuric acid act on zinc and form hydrogen in addition to the salts.
 
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