| Tin |
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| Atomic Number - | 50 | Melting Point (°C,°F) - | 231.93 °C, 449.47 °F |
| Atomic Symbol - | Sn | Boiling Point (°C,°F) - | 2602 °C, 4716 °F |
| Atomic Mass - | 118.7 | Electron Configuration - | [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2 |
| Group - | 14 | Electrons Per Shell - | 2, 8, 18, 18, 4 |
| Period - | 5 | Protons - | 50 |
| Series - | Poor Metals | Neutrons - | 70 |
| Block - | p-block | | |
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Element Description - Tin is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Sn (L. Stannum) and atomic number 50. This silvery, malleable poor metal that is not easily oxidized in air and resists corrosion is found in many alloys and is used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion. Tin is obtained chiefly from the mineral cassiterite, where it occurs as an oxide. |
Element Characteristics - Tin is a malleable, ductile, highly crystalline, silvery-white metal whose crystal structure causes a strange screeching sound known as the "tin cry" when a bar of tin is bent (caused by crystals breaking). This metal resists corrosion from distilled sea and soft tap water, but can be attacked by strong acids, alkalis, and by acid salts. Tin acts as a catalyst when oxygen is in solution and helps accelerate chemical attack.
Tin forms the dioxide SnO2 when it is heated in the presence of air. SnO2, in turn, is feebly acidic and forms stannate (SnO3-2) salts with basic oxides. Tin can be highly polished and is used as a protective coat for other metals in order to prevent corrosion or other chemical action. This metal combines directly with chlorine and oxygen and displaces hydrogen from dilute acids. Tin is malleable at ordinary temperatures but is brittle when it is heated. |
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