Element 50
Tin
Post-transition metals
Tin (Sn) is in the p-block of the periodic table — group 14, period 5.
Tin is a chemical element with the symbol Sn (for Latin:stannum) and atomic number 50.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 50
- Atomic mass
- 118.711 u
- Group / Period
- 14 / 5
- Block
- p-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 7.365 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 231.9 °C
- Boiling point
- 2601.8 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2
Periodic table block
Tin is in the p-block (group 14, period 5). Elements land in the p-block when their highest-energy electrons fill a p subshell — this region holds most nonmetals, the metalloids, and the metals on the right of the table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Tin cans (plated steel)
- •Solder
- •Bronze with copper
Discovery
Year: Known since antiquity
Discovered by: unknown, before 3500 BC
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Tin?
Tin has atomic number 50. Its symbol is Sn and its atomic mass is 118.711 u.
What category of element is Tin?
Tin is classified as post-transition metals. It sits in group 14, period 5 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Tin in?
Tin is in the p-block (group 14, period 5). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the p subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2.
What is Tin used for?
Common uses of Tin include: Tin cans (plated steel), Solder, Bronze with copper.
When was Tin discovered?
Tin has been known since antiquity.
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