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Aluminum vs Tin
Tin is rarely found on Earth, as it is the 49th most abundant metal; whereas aluminum is the 3rd most abundant metal and the 9th most abundant element on Earth, found almost everywhere. Aluminum is silvery white to grey in color, whereas tin is silvery grey. The atomic number of tin is 50, with a symbol of Sn, and aluminum has the atomic number 13, with the symbol Al.
Tin has been used by humans since ancient times, when compared to aluminum which was discovered quite late in human history. Tin does not occur by itself, and is extracted from another compound; likewise, aluminum is also not found free in nature, but is combined with other elements in a dissolved state. Both form alloys ¨C tin forms an alloy with copper to make bronze, pewter and soft solder, and is used widely for coatings, such as for steel cans and sheets.
Tin has been in use for making jewelry and ornaments, whereas aluminum had once been considered as a rare metal, and more expensive than gold.
Aluminum and tin are both very pliable and flexible metals. They are both anti corrosive and easily machined. Tin, when compared to aluminum, has a crystalline structure. Aluminum and tin are non-ferrous metals, and make a variety of food and soda cans because both metals are ductile and inexpensive recyclable materials. Tin, when compared to steel, is more inexpensive.
Aluminum is often confused with tin, such as tin foil etc. Aluminum has replaced tin in industrial applications, such as for cans. Tin is considered to be toxic to humans, and so is aluminum, but not inherently toxic. It is believed that if they are both absorbed or inhaled by some humans, they can pose an ingestion risk, while aluminum is considered to be related with Alzheimer¡¯s disease.
They are both classified as poor metals, as they share extreme malleability properties. Both of the metals are extremely light weight. Aluminum is a good conductor of heat and energy when compared to tin, which is better than ceramic, etc, but not better than aluminum. Aluminum can be wired and used for manufacturing in industries such as aerospace, automobile, marine and others. Pure tin is too weak, so it is alloyed with other metals to make it stronger, whereas aluminum is a much stronger metal than tin.
Tin was used as an ordinary household material in the 1800¡¯s, particularly popular with the labor class. It was a low cost, gives a bright luster, and things made of iron or steel were dipped in molten tin. Tin items were also used as gifts by the majority of people in the olden days, especially for the tenth anniversary, also known as the ¡®tin anniversary¡¯. Tin is considered to be a good replacement for other harmful metals, such as mercury, lead or cadmium; whereas aluminum is currently replacing tin. The melting point of tin happens at a low temperature, and it is highly fluid when molten with a higher boiling point. Aluminum plays no, or very little biological role; likewise, tin seems to have no significant role for humans.
Summary:
1. Tin is cheaper than aluminum, but aluminum is replacing tin.
2. Aluminum is stronger and used for industrial purposes and for other industries, such as aerospace or automobiles.
3. Tin is most commonly used for plating steel sheets.
4. Aluminum is more abundant in nature when compared to tin.
5. Tin is weaker compared to aluminum, which is much stronger and more lightweight than tin. |
