Tin is a metal. It is a chemical element with the symbol Sn and atomic number 50. Like other metals, it has a shiny appearance, is malleable and ductile, and is a good conductor of heat and electricity. 1
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Key Takeaways: Is Tin a Metal or Nonmetal?
- Tin is a metal with characteristic properties of metals such as malleability, ductility, metallic luster, high melting point, and electrical conductivity.
- Tin belongs to the group of post-transition metals that are soft and have lower melting points.
- Tin differs from other metals in terms of its low toxicity, unreactivity, tendency to form alloys, and brittleness at low temperatures.
Why is tin a metal?
Tin is a metal because it has the characteristic properties of metals, such as being malleable, ductile, and having a metallic luster.
It also has a relatively high melting point and electrical conductivity, which are typical of metallic elements.
Additionally, tin belongs to the group of chemical elements known as the “post-transition metals,” which are typically soft, have lower melting points than transition metals, and form ions with a charge of +2. 2 3
All of these properties are consistent with tin being classified as a metal.
Properties of tin that classify it as a metal
Here are some of the properties of tin that classify it as a metal.
- Malleability: Tin is a soft and malleable metal, meaning that it can be easily shaped and formed without breaking or cracking.
- Ductility: Tin is also ductile, which means it can be drawn into thin wires without breaking.
- Metallic luster: Tin has a shiny, metallic appearance due to its ability to reflect light.
- High melting point: Tin has a relatively high melting point (231.93°C), which is typical of metals. 4
- Electrical conductivity: Tin is a good conductor of electricity, meaning that it can easily transfer an electric charge.
All of these properties are consistent with tin being classified as a metal.
How is tin different from other metals?
Tin differs from other metals in a few ways, such as:
- Low toxicity: Compared to other metals, tin has low toxicity and is therefore widely used in food packaging and other applications where toxicity is a concern. 5
- Unreactive: Tin is relatively unreactive, which means it doesn’t readily corrode or tarnish like other metals such as iron or copper.
- Brittle at low temperatures: Tin can become brittle at low temperatures, which limits its use in certain applications.
- Low melting point: Although tin has a relatively high melting point compared to non-metals, it has a lower melting point than many other metals.
- Tendency to form alloys: Tin has a strong tendency to form alloys with other metals, which has led to its use in a variety of alloys such as bronze, pewter, and solder. 6
Overall, while tin shares many properties with other metals, its low toxicity, unreactivity, and unique characteristics at low temperatures make it a distinct material with a range of uses.
Further reading
Is Iodine a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Xenon a Metal?
Is Barium a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Gold a Metal or Nonmetal?
Is Mercury a Metal or Nonmetal?
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References
- Tin | Definition, Properties, Uses, & Facts. (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/science/tin
- P-Block Metals. (n.d.). P-Block Metals. https://bocarsly.princeton.edu/research/co2-reduction/p-block-metals/
- Boudreaux, K. A. (n.d.). The Parts of the Periodic Table. The Parts of the Periodic Table. https://www.angelo.edu/faculty/kboudrea/periodic/physical_states.htm
- Tin – Element information, properties and uses | Periodic Table. (n.d.). Tin – Element Information, Properties and Uses | Periodic Table. https://www.rsc.org/periodic-table/element/50/tin
- Tin and Compounds | ToxFAQs™ | ATSDR. (2014, March 18). Tin And Compounds | ToxFAQs&Trade; | ATSDR. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/TSP/ToxFAQs/ToxFAQsDetails.aspx?faqid=542&toxid=98
- Hampshire, W. (2001). Tin Alloys: Alloying, Properties, and Applications. Encyclopedia of Materials: Science and Technology, 9351–9354. https://doi.org/10.1016/b0-08-043152-6/01686-7