Analogy — Map specific to class: Steel : Alloy :: Zinc : ?

Introduction / Context:
The pair “Steel : Alloy” maps a specific material to its class. We must classify zinc correctly to mirror this taxonomic relation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Steel is an alloy (primarily iron with carbon and other elements).
• Zinc (Zn) is a metallic element (post-transition metal by some categorizations).
• Salt and halogen are different chemical classes; non-metal is incorrect for zinc.

Concept / Approach:
Preserve “instance → class.” Do not switch to functional compounds or periodic groups that do not match the instance given.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Steel → alloy (class).Zinc → ? → metal (class).

Verification / Alternative check:
Periodic table classification: zinc is a metal; salts are compounds formed by acid–base reactions; halogens are Group 17 non-metal elements.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
(b) Non-metal – incorrect classification of zinc.
(c) Salt – a compound category, not an elemental class for zinc.
(d) Halogen – different periodic group; zinc is not halogen.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing common compounds containing zinc (zinc salts) with zinc’s elemental classification.

Final Answer:
Metal