The symbol for tin in the periodic table is "Sn" tin is the major component in lead free solder used in modern electronics.

Tin cans used to preserve and distribute canned goods, the outer shell was made from iron the inside coated with a very thin layer of tin to protect the iron from acidic foods.

Tin solder is the major cause of electronics failure, goolge "tin whiskers" to learn more.



"Publicly" Reported Failure References
Tin (and Other Metal) Whisker Induced Failures
The following section provides a sample of publicly available references describing electronic system failures attributed to metal whiskers (tin, zinc, silver, etc.). This list is NOT ALL ENCOMPASSING. A Whisker Anecdotes section has also been established to document whisker induced problems where more "formal" publicity is either unavailable or unwanted by the individuals/organizations contributing the information
Commercial Satellite Failures Military Failures Medical Failures
Industrial/Power Computers Anecdotes