Tin (Sn): electron configuration, atomic mass and facts
Tin (Sn) is element 50 of the periodic table, a post-transition metal in period 5, group 14. Its electron configuration is [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2, with electrons arranged in shells 2, 8, 18, 18, 4, and its standard atomic weight is 118.71 u.
▶ Watch Tin’s electrons orbit in the interactive periodic tableTin at a glance
| Symbol | Sn |
|---|---|
| Atomic number | 50 |
| Atomic mass | 118.71 u |
| Category | Post-transition metal |
| Group | 14 |
| Period | 5 |
| Block | p-block |
| Electron configuration | 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p2 |
| Noble-gas shorthand | [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 18, 4 |
| Outer-shell electrons | 4 |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.96 |
| State at 20 °C | solid |
Where is Tin on the periodic table?
Tin is in period 5, group 14, in the p-block. The period number matches its 5 electron shells, and the block names the subshell its last electrons fill. In the same group, Germanium sits directly above it and Lead sits directly below it. Elements in one group have the same number of outer-shell electrons (4 here), which is why they react in similar ways.
How to work out the electron configuration of Tin
Put 50 electrons into subshells in order of rising energy, filling each before starting the next: 1s² (2), 2s² (4), 2p⁶ (10), 3s² (12), 3p⁶ (18), 4s² (20), 3d¹⁰ (30), 4p⁶ (36), 5s² (38), 4d¹⁰ (48), 5p² (50). In shorthand, [Kr] stands for the 36 electrons of krypton, giving [Kr] 4d¹⁰ 5s² 5p².
How electronegative is Tin?
Tin has a Pauling electronegativity of 1.96, ranking 34 of the 100 elements with a known value (fluorine is highest at 3.98). That is in the middle of the range.
Frequently asked questions
What is the electron configuration of Tin?
The electron configuration of Tin (Sn) is 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p2. In noble-gas shorthand it is written [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2.
How many electrons does Tin have in each shell?
Tin has 50 electrons arranged in shells as 2, 8, 18, 18, 4. It has 4 electrons in its outer shell.
What is the atomic mass of Tin?
The standard atomic weight of Tin is 118.71 u, so one mole of Tin atoms has a mass of about 118.71 g.
Is Tin a metal?
Yes. Tin is a post-transition metal.
Explore nearby elements
More post-transition metals: Gallium, Indium, Thallium, Lead, Bismuth, Polonium. See all elements on the periodic table.