Tin Properties

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Definition of Tin
What is the definition of Tin? It is a malleable, silvery metallic element obtained chiefly from cassiterite. The Physical and Chemical Properties are the characteristics of a substance, like Tin, which distinguishes it from any other substance. Most common substances, like Tin, exist as States of Matter as solids, liquids, gases and plasma. Refer to the article on Tin Element for additional information and facts about this substance.

Tin Properties - What are the Physical Properties of Tin?
What are the Physical Properties of Tin? The Physical properties of Tin are the characteristics that can be observed without changing the substance into another substance. Physical properties are usually those that can be observed using our senses such as color, luster, freezing point, boiling point, melting point, density, hardness and odor.

The Physical Properties of Tin are as follows:

Color : Silver-White
Malleability : Capable of being shaped or bent into extremely thin sheets (tin foil). Gives off a weird, screeching sound when bent
Luster : Has a shine or glow
Ductility : Easily pulled or stretched into a thin wire
Conductivity : Good transmission of heat or electricity
Softness : Very Soft (only slightly harder than lead)
Crystalline Structure : Tetragonal

Tin Properties - What are the Chemical Properties of Tin?
What are the Chemical Properties of Tin? They are the characteristics that determine how it will react with other substances or change from one substance to another. The better we know the nature of the substance the better we are able to understand it. Chemical properties are only observable during a chemical reaction. Reactions to substances may be brought about by changes brought about by burning, rusting, heating, exploding, tarnishing etc. The Chemical Properties of Tin are as follows:

Chemical Formula : Sn
Oxidation : Not easily oxidized but oxidizes upon heating with concentrated HNO3
Reactivity with water : Stable in both cold and boiling water
Reactivity with acids : Does not react rapidly
Toxicity : Relatively low toxicity but most compounds of tin are toxic (poisonous)
Corrosion : Resists corrosion because it is protected by an oxide film
Alloys : Used extensively in alloys eg bronze and pewter
Allotrope : Two allotropic forms of tin are known. Gray tin and the more common white tin
Compounds : Reacts with the halogens to form compounds