Is a tin cup a mixture of elements or a compound?

Answer 1

To answer you question: Tin cups are made of compounds consisting of a mixture of elements – it’s not an either or question.

To elaborate: Historically, tin cups were made of tin (Sn) alloys or pewter (tin and lead). These compounds were “mixture of elements.” Tin was one of the 7 elements know to ancient peoples: “tin” is actually an ancient Anglo-Saxon word. Tin’s elemental symbol “Sn” is from the Latin word for tin, stannum. Tin was used to make things like “cups” as it does not oxidize in air or water – where cups made form iron would rust away. In some cases tin was used a oxidation protection layer on iron such as with old “tin cans.”

Today, most metal cups are aluminum alloy or stainless steel – these are also mixtures of metals. However, Bromwell sells a tin cup – which they say they have been manufacturing, solder free, for almost 200 years. http://www.bromwellhousewares.com/c212us.html

Answer 2

Neither. It's a container made out of the metal, tin.

Tin is chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Sn (Latin: stannum) and atomic number 50. This silvery, malleable poor metal that is not easily oxidized in air and resists corrosion, is found in many alloys and is used to coat other metals to prevent corrosion. Tin is obtained chiefly from the mineral cassiterite, where it occurs as an oxide.