What does Sn(alpha) mean? Does it have anything to do with Miller

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Sn(alpha) refers to the alpha phase of tin, also known as white tin, which is a brittle substance that is stable at temperatures below approximately 15°C. In contrast, the beta phase, or grey tin, is the metallic form of tin that exists at ordinary temperatures. This discussion clarifies that Sn(alpha) does not directly relate to Miller Indices, which are used to denote crystal planes in crystallography.

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  • Familiarity with allotropes and their properties
  • Basic knowledge of temperature effects on material stability
  • Awareness of crystallography and Miller Indices
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  • Research the properties and applications of tin allotropes
  • Explore the significance of Miller Indices in crystallography
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Materials scientists, metallurgists, and students studying phase transitions and crystallography will benefit from this discussion.

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What does Sn(alpha) mean? Does it have anything to do with Miller Indices?
 
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It's an allotrope. Tin has two phases around 'ordinary' temperatures; the 'beta' phase, or 'grey tin' is metallic tin, the 'alpha' phase, or 'white tin' is a brittle subtance that's the more stable form at cool temperatures (below 15C or so, IIRC).
 

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