Zinc is a chemical element with the symbol Zn and atomic number 30. It is a bluish-white, lustrous metal that is commonly used in a variety of applications due to its corrosion-resistant properties. However, when freshly exposed to air, zinc metal can exhibit a different color.



When zinc metal is freshly exposed to air, it appears to have a bright, silvery color. This is because the surface of the metal is clean and reflects light in a similar way to other metals such as silver. However, over time, zinc metal undergoes a chemical reaction with the oxygen in the air, forming a thin layer of zinc oxide on its surface.



Zinc oxide is a white, powdery compound that is formed when zinc reacts with oxygen. This reaction, known as oxidation, occurs gradually as the metal is exposed to air. The formation of zinc oxide on the surface of the metal alters its appearance, resulting in a change in color.



The color of zinc oxide is predominantly white. This is due to the way the compound interacts with light. White substances reflect all wavelengths of light, giving them their characteristic appearance. As a result, when zinc metal undergoes oxidation and forms zinc oxide, the color of the metal changes from silvery to a light grey or white color.



In conclusion, the color of zinc metal is initially silvery when it is freshly exposed to air. However, over time, the metal reacts with oxygen and forms a thin layer of zinc oxide on its surface, resulting in a change in color to a light grey or white. Therefore, option C, "Grey," is the correct answer.