Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Tin

Atomic number 50 means that every Tin nucleus contains 50 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Tin.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 50 means that every Tin nucleus contains 50 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Tin.

Tin (Sn) is chemical element 50. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

In practice, it turns up most often in solder, coatings and bronze.

See the atom

Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.

What this number means

Atomic number 50 means that every Tin nucleus contains 50 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Tin.

Keep exploring

→ Tin · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

50SnTin
Tin · Sn · Z = 50

Tin (Sn) is chemical element 50. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Understanding the element

Tin (Sn) is chemical element 50. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in solder, coatings and bronze.

What its position in the table tells us

Tin sits in period 5, group 14 and the P block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.