Question

Tin is an element, but $\mathrm{TiN}$ is a compound. Explain.

Answer 1

Tin:

• Tin is a chemical element with a chemical symbol$\mathrm{Sn}$.
• It belongs to the carbon family of group 14 of the periodic table and is a soft silvery white metal.

$\mathbf{TiN}\mathbf{:}$

• $\mathrm{TiN}$ is a chemical symbol for a compound of titanium with nitrogen called as Titanium nitride. It is also called as Tinite.

A compound is defined as a substance that is formed by the combination of two or more elements. e.g. ${\mathrm{CO}}_{2,}{\mathrm{NH}}_3,{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$ etc.

Tin($\mathbf{Sn}$) exists as an element but when it is combined with some other elements it forms a compound. Likewise, when titanium is subjected to combine with nitrogen a compound is formed called titanium nitride ($\mathbf{TiN}$). Thus tin is an element and $\mathrm{TiN}$ is a compound.