Zinc Without a Trace Trivia Quiz

Answer: One-cent coin (penny)

The little guy of American currency is comprised of 97.5% zinc and only 2.5% copper. The U.S. Nickel is 75% copper and 25% nickel. The dime is 92% copper and 8% nickel (before 1965 the dime was made of silver). Quarters, like the dime are 92% copper and 8% nickel. From 1793 to 1857, the penny was 100% copper.

Because of the high zinc content, swallowing a "post-1982" U.S. penny can cause significant damage to the stomach lining. Consumption of zinc pennies can actually be fatal in dogs because it can lead to hemolytic anemia.

Answer: Pumpkin seeds

Pumpkin seeds are one of the more healthy snack choices for both baseball players and fans. One of the most important trace minerals in pumpkin seeds is the antioxidant zinc that has proven to possess qualities that can help fight disease and contributes to faster healing of wounds. According to the "World's Healthiest Foods" website, just 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds contains 2.57 mg of zinc accounting for 17.1% of the Recommended Daily Allowance for zinc required by healthy adults.

Answer: Batteries

The nickel-zinc (NiZn) battery is a form of rechargeable battery that has found many uses with cordless power equipment. These alternatives to "lead-acid" and "nickel-cadmium" batteries are also used in flashlights, electric bicycles, garden tools, and even in light electrical vehicles.

Some of the advantages of nickel-zinc batteries include: lower internal impedance which allows for higher battery discharge rates; fewer cells required for same output; absence of mercury, cadmium, lead or other metal hydrides that are difficult to recycle; absence of flammable active material in production; high power density and low temperature discharge; and proven longevity.

Answer: Diaper-rash cream

It is one of life's lovely inevitabilities that little Susie or Johnny are going to experience the dreaded diaper rash in their infant years. This skin irritation can be the source of major discomfort for the baby and a stress for the mother. Zinc oxide has been found to be an effective ingredient in many diaper-rash creams that provide relief to sore bottoms.

Obviously, it would be better to not have to request Mr. Zinc's assistance. Parents can lessen the chance of diaper rashes occurring by: changing diapers frequently, using unscented baby wipes, using warm water and a mild soap as an alternative to wipes, letting the diaper area dry before putting on a new diaper, letting baby air the nether regions out by letting them run around starkers, and finally attempting to potty train as quickly as possible.

Answer: "Head and Shoulders" Shampoo

Many dandruff shampoos, such as "Head & Shoulders," contain pyrithione zinc as an active trace ingredient for treating dandruff. The main symptoms of dandruff include an itchy scalp, and the flaking of oily, dead skin. While the condition is generally not serious or contagious it can be embarrassing and highly unpleasant. Zinc pyrithione has antifungal and antibacterial qualities and removes the fungus that causes the dandruff condition. Medical professionals suggest that those who suffer from dandruff should use a shampoo that contains zinc pyrithione at least once a day until the condition is controlled.

Answer: Flame retardant

Zinc Chloride is used to treat lumber that is used for both indoor and outdoor projects and helps imbue the wood with a fire retardant coating. Zinc Borate has been used to develop fire retardancy qualities in a diverse number of materials such as plastics, paper, rubbers, textiles, and cellulose fibers.

It has also proved to be useful in other products such as adhesives, paints and pigments.

Answer: Toothpaste

Toothpaste and mouthwash that contain trace amounts of zinc have proven successful in reducing bad breath and gingivitis. The zinc element seems to possess the unique quality of being able to prevent the production of mouth odor by killing or blocking the production of gases by the anaerobic bacteria that exist within the mouth. Zinc chloride or zinc citrate act to slow down the metabolism of bacteria, thus preventing bacterial growth in the mouth.

In turn, the properties of zinc in toothpaste and mouthwash help reduce the occurrence of cavities, lessen the chance of gum disease and ameliorate bad breath.

Answer: Golf clubs

Although you will generally not see too many golfers on the Professional Tour using them, many golf clubs are indeed constructed out of zinc. Zinc and aluminum alloys are primarily utilized in manufacturing beginner and junior golf clubs and putters. Zinc is a softer metal and will not have the long life of its harder metal counterparts such as stainless steel or titanium. Zinc or aluminum golf clubs are much cheaper than those made from other materials.

Answer: Oysters

Generally, oysters will provide 16-182mg of zinc for every 100g serving (110%-1200% Recommended Daily Amount). The Steamed Wild Eastern Oyster provides 182mg of zinc per 100g serving. Toasted wheat germ ranks second in zinc content with 17mg per 100g of serving. Veal Liver is at the number-three spot with 12mg per 100g serving and chocolate ranks eighth with 9.6mg per 100g serving.

Answer: Galvanised steel

It is true that over half of all zinc used globally contributes to galvanising steel. In this process, steel is coated with a layer of zinc through electrolysis or by immersion in molten zinc. The zinc coating provides protection for the steel by forming a thin layer of zinc oxide on the metal's surface, affording a layer of protection from corrosion.