The element tin has the following number of electrons per shell: 2, 8, 18, 18, 4. Notice that the number of electrons in the outer shell of a tin atom is the same as that for a carbon atom. Therefore, what must be true of tin

The question is incomplete, the complete question is:

The element tin has the following number of electrons per shell: 2.8. 18, 18, 4. Notice that the number of electrons in the outer shell of a tin atom is the same as that for a carbon atom. Therefore, what must be true of tin? Tin is a polar atom and can bind to other polar atoms. Tin has a high molecular weight to give tin-containing molecules greater stabilty. All of the above Tin conform single covalent bonds with other elements, but not double or triple covalent bonds Tincan bind to up to four elements at a time

Tin can bind to up to four elements at a time

Explanation:

Certain important points were made in the question about tin and one of them is that tin is an element in the same group as carbon hence it has the same number of valence electrons as carbon.

Carbon is always tetra valent. The tetra valency of carbon is the idea that carbon forms four bonds.

If tin has the same number of valence electrons as carbon, then, tin can bind to up to four elements at a time