Tin's atomic number is 50 and its symbol is Sn. Although tin is often thought of as a cheap and invaluable metal used to make food cans and quick building roofs, it has had many useful applications throughout history. Tin is a necessary element in the production of bronze which led to massive technological advances during the bronze age. Today more than half of all mined tin was used to make electronic solder. Tin Is also used to plate lead, zinc, and steel for corrosion prevention.