What is Tin?
{{Infobox tin}} [[File:Metal cube tin.jpg|thumb|Tin]] '''Tin''' is a [[chemical element]] with symbol&nbsp;'''Sn''' (for {{lang-la|stannum}}) and [[atomic number]]&nbsp;50. It is in [[Group 14 element|Group 14]] on the periodic table. It has ten isotopes that are not [[radioactive]], which is more than any other element. ==Properties== ===Physical properties=== [[File:Zinn 9eng.jpg|thumb|Alpha(α) and beta(β) forms of tin]] Tin is a silver, somewhat soft [[metal]]. It is a [[post-transition metal]]. Its melting point is 231.93[[Celsius|°C]] and its boiling point is 2602&nbsp;°C. It can melt easily in a flame. It is [[wikt:malleable|malleable]]. It makes a crackling sound called tin cry when a piece of it is bent. Tin has more non-radioactive [[isotope]]s than any other element. Tin is found in two [[allotrope]]s: alpha-tin and beta-tin. Alpha-tin is a brittle, dull, powdery, [[semimetal]]lic form of tin. It is made when very pure tin is cooled. Beta-tin is the normal shiny, soft, [[electrical conductivity|conductive]], metallic form. It is made at higher temperatures. The decay of tin by turning from beta-tin to alpha-tin is called ''tin pest''. Alpha-tin is not wanted in many places. When small amounts of other elements like [[antimony]] are added, the tin cannot change into alpha-tin. When alpha-tin is heated, it changes into beta-tin. Tin can be hardened by adding antimony or [[copper]], as well as some other elements. These also make it resistant to tin pest. Tin can also be made very shiny. Tin can make an [[alloy]] with [[copper]] called [[bronze]]. ===Chemical properties=== Tin resists many [[corrosive substance]]<nowiki/>s and is often used to protect other metals. Salt water and fresh water do not affect tin. It dissolves in strong acids to make tin salts. It reacts with some strong bases. ===Chemical compounds=== :{{See also cat|Tin compounds}} Tin forms [[chemical compound]]s in two [[oxidation state]]s: +2 and +4. +2 compounds are reducing agents. Some of them are colorless while others are co