Tin(IV) oxide facts for kids
Tin(IV) oxide, also known as tin dioxide or stannic oxide, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is SnO2. It is made of tin and oxide ions. The tin in this compound has a +4 oxidation state, which means it has lost four electrons.
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What is Tin(IV) Oxide Like?
Tin(IV) oxide is a white powder. It can react with acids to create tin salts, like tin(IV) chloride when mixed with hydrochloric acid. It also reacts with strong bases to form other compounds called stannites. If you heat tin(IV) oxide with carbon at a very high temperature, you can get pure tin metal.
Where is Tin(IV) Oxide Found?
You can find tin(IV) oxide naturally as a mineral called cassiterite. Cassiterite is an important ore because it's the main source from which we get tin metal.
How is Tin(IV) Oxide Made?
To make pure tin(IV) oxide, you can burn powdered tin metal in the air. This process combines tin with oxygen to form tin(IV) oxide.
- Sn + O2 → SnO2
What is Tin(IV) Oxide Used For?
Tin(IV) oxide has several interesting uses:
- Gas Sensors: It's used in special devices called sensors that can detect gases that might burn, like carbon monoxide. A thin wire made of tin(IV) oxide is heated. If a flammable gas passes over it, the wire can conduct a small amount of electricity. The sensor then measures this electricity to tell if the gas is present.
- Catalyst: It can act as a catalyst in some chemical reactions. A catalyst helps a reaction happen faster without being used up itself.
- Ceramics: It's also used to make ceramics opaque, meaning they are not clear or see-through. This gives ceramics a solid, non-transparent look.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Tin(IV) oxide powder
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Tin(IV) oxide fibers seen through a microscope
See also
In Spanish: Dióxido de estaño para niños
