Tin (Sn)

General Information

• Symbol: Sn
• Atomic Number: 50
• Atomic Weight: 118.710 u
• Element Category: Post-transition metal
• Group: 14
• Period: 5
• Block: p-block

Physical Properties

• Appearance: Silvery-white metallic
• Density: 7.265 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 231.93 °C (449.47 °F)
• Boiling Point: 2602 °C (4716 °F)
• Phase at STP: Solid
• Electron Configuration: [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p²
• Oxidation States: +4 (most common), +2

Chemical Properties

• Reactivity: Tin is resistant to corrosion and oxidation in air and water, making it a useful material for coatings.
• Compounds: Forms compounds such as tin(II) chloride (SnCl₂), tin(IV) oxide (SnO₂), and stannous fluoride (SnF₂).

Uses and Applications

• Soldering: Widely used in solder for joining metal parts, especially in electronics.
• Coatings: Used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion, such as in tin cans for food preservation.
• Alloys: Used in alloys like bronze (tin and copper) and pewter (tin, antimony, and copper).
• Glass Production: Tin oxide is used in making glass, including the float glass process for windows.
• Chemistry: Used in various chemical reactions and compounds for stabilizers in PVC plastics and other materials.

Occurrence and Extraction

• Natural Occurrence: Found primarily in the mineral cassiterite (SnO₂).
• Extraction: Extracted by mining cassiterite, then smelting to produce tin metal.

Isotopes

• Stable Isotopes: Tin has ten stable isotopes, the most of any element, including Tin-112, Tin-114, Tin-115, Tin-116, Tin-117, Tin-118, Tin-119, Tin-120, Tin-122, and Tin-124.
• Radioactive Isotopes: Tin-126 is a notable radioactive isotope used in scientific research.

Safety and Handling

• Hazards: Tin itself is not highly toxic, but some tin compounds can be toxic if inhaled or ingested.
• Precautions: Handle tin compounds with care, using appropriate protective equipment to avoid exposure.

History

• Discovery: Known since ancient times, tin has been used for over 3,500 years.
• Name Origin: The name “tin” is derived from the Old English word “tin,” and its symbol “Sn” comes from the Latin word “stannum.”

Additional Facts

• Crystal Structure: Tetragonal (β-tin) at room temperature, cubic (α-tin) below 13.2°C
• Magnetic Properties: Diamagnetic
• Thermal Conductivity: Moderate, about 66.6 W/m·K
• Electrical Resistivity: About 115 nΩ·m at room temperature

Summary

Tin is a versatile post-transition metal with significant applications in soldering, coatings, and alloy production. It is resistant to corrosion and oxidation, making it valuable for coating other metals and preserving food in cans. Found primarily in the mineral cassiterite, tin is extracted through mining and smelting. Its stable isotopes and historical significance further highlight its importance in various industries.

40 Question and Answer Pairs About Tin

1. What is the atomic number of Tin?

   • 50

2. What is the symbol for Tin?

   • Sn

3. What is the atomic weight of Tin?

   • 118.710 u

4. In which group of the periodic table is Tin found?

   • Group 14

5. What period is Tin in?

   • Period 5

6. What block does Tin belong to?

   • p-block

7. What is the melting point of Tin?

   • 231.93 °C (449.47 °F)

8. What is the boiling point of Tin?

   • 2602 °C (4716 °F)

9. What is the density of Tin?

   • 7.265 g/cm³

10. What is the electron configuration of Tin?

    • [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p²

11. What are the common oxidation states of Tin?

    • +4, +2

12. What is the appearance of Tin?

    • Silvery-white metallic

13. Is Tin reactive with air?

    • Tin is resistant to corrosion and oxidation in air.

14. Name a compound of Tin.

    • Tin(IV) oxide (SnO₂)

15. What is a common use of Tin in soldering?

    • Used in solder for joining metal parts in electronics

16. How is Tin used in coatings?

    • To coat other metals to prevent corrosion, such as in tin cans

17. What role does Tin play in alloys?

    • Used in alloys like bronze and pewter

18. How is Tin used in glass production?

    • Tin oxide is used in making glass, including the float glass process

19. What application does Tin have in chemistry?

    • Used as stabilizers in PVC plastics and other materials

20. Name a mineral that contains Tin.

    • Cassiterite (SnO₂)

21. How is Tin extracted from ores?

    • By mining cassiterite and smelting

22. What is the most stable isotope of Tin?

    • Tin-120

23. Name a notable radioactive isotope of Tin.

    • Tin-126

24. What safety hazard is associated with Tin compounds?

    • Some tin compounds can be toxic if inhaled or ingested

25. How long has Tin been known to humans?

    • For over 3,500 years

26. Where does the name Tin come from?

    • Derived from the Old English word “tin”

27. What is the crystal structure of Tin at room temperature?

    • Tetragonal (β-tin)

28. Is Tin paramagnetic or diamagnetic?

    • Diamagnetic

29. What is the thermal conductivity of Tin?

    • About 66.6 W/m·K

30. What is the electrical resistivity of Tin at room temperature?

    • About 115 nΩ·m

31. What is the primary oxidation state of Tin?

    • +4

32. Is Tin found as a free element in nature?

    • No, it is found in ores like cassiterite

33. What is the common name of tin(II) chloride?

    • Stannous chloride

34. What is a major application of stannous fluoride (SnF₂)?

    • Used in toothpaste to prevent cavities

35. How does Tin benefit solder?

    • Provides a low melting point and good wetting properties

36. What is the boiling point of Tin in Kelvin?

    • 2875 K

37. What group does Tin belong to in the periodic table?

    • Post-transition metals

38. What is the natural abundance of Tin-120?

    • About 32.59%

39. Can Tin be used in high-temperature applications?

    • Yes, in specific alloys and coatings

40. What is the key property that makes Tin valuable in coatings?

    • Its resistance to corrosion and oxidation.