Someone help with DSLR lenses?

I have the kit lens for the Nikon D3100 (18-55mm), and a "wide angle" prime lens (35mm f1.8).

Now heres the question. I know primes are better for quality/clarity, but is that it? Can a "standard" zoom do everything the primes in its range can do, or is there something additionally special that the prime is "wide angle?"

I began to wonder if a standard zoom could also be a wide angle lens if used in the lower zoom region.
>>> Someone help with DSLR lenses?