Element 50

Tin (Sn)

Post-transition metal · Period 5 · Group 14 · p-block

Tin (Sn) is element 50 of the periodic table, a post-transition metal in period 5, group 14 (p-block) with an atomic mass of 118.71 and is a solid at standard conditions.

At a glance

Atomic number
50
Symbol
Sn
Atomic mass
118.71 u
Category
Post-transition metals
Period
5
Group
14
Block
p-block
Phase at STP
solid

Electron structure

Electron configuration
1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p2
Shorthand configuration
[Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2
Electrons per shell
2, 8, 18, 18, 4
Oxidation states
-4, -3, -2, -1, +1, +2, +3, +4

Physical properties

Melting point
505.08 K (231.93 °C)
Boiling point
2,875 K (2,601.85 °C)
Density
7.287 g/cm³
Phase
solid

Atomic properties

Electronegativity (Pauling)
1.96
Atomic radius
145 pm
Covalent radius
139 pm
Van der Waals radius
217 pm
First ionization energy
709 kJ/mol
Electron affinity
107 kJ/mol

Notable isotopes

Notable isotopes of Tin: mass number, atomic mass, natural abundance, and stability.
IsotopeMassAbundanceStability
Sn-120119.902232.58%Stable

Common uses

  • Tin cans
  • Solder
  • Bronze
  • Pewter

Discovery

Discovered by
Known since antiquity
Country
Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Is tin a metal?
Yes. Tin is a metal, classified as a post-transition metal on the periodic table.
How many protons does tin have?
Tin has 50 protons. Its atomic number is 50, which is also the number of electrons in a neutral atom of tin.
What group and period is tin in?
Tin is in group 14 and period 5 of the periodic table, in the p-block.
What is the atomic mass of tin?
The atomic mass of tin is 118.71 u (unified atomic mass units).

Keep exploring

Tin's row is on the printable element property sheet, and its tile is on the periodic table wall chart - the same numbers as above, laid out for A4 or A3 paper.