The zinc electrodissolution and electrodeposition have been studied by means of electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Relevant information on the mechanism of these electrochemical processes is provided by the analysis of experimental data. The zinc electrodeposition takes place with an important participation of hydrogen ions while the zinc electrodissolution occurs, in these experimental conditions, by a mechanism in two steps. Besides, it is proved that the presence of molecular oxygen in the solution contributes to the formation of a passive layer on the metallic zinc deposit. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.