The "Disease" That Struck Medieval Church Organs

The video explores the phenomenon of tin pest, which affected church organs by making them brittle and causing them to fall apart. This is due to tin's ability to exist in two forms: white tin, which is strong and shiny, and gray tin, which is dull and brittle. The transformation between these forms depends on temperature, with a critical point around -30 degrees Celsius. The process is slow and requires specific conditions to occur. Understanding the chemistry behind tin pest has led to prevention methods, such as adding other metals to stabilize tin.

What is tin pest and how does it affect church organs?

Explain the two different forms of tin and how temperature affects them.

Describe the process of transformation from white tin to gray tin.

What role do catalysts play in the transformation of tin?

How can the effects of tin pest be prevented in organ pipes?