Why is tin not very good at keeping soup warm?

Tin, or more accurately, tinplate (thin steel coated with tin), isn't very good at keeping soup warm for a few reasons:

* Low thermal conductivity: Tinplate is a relatively poor conductor of heat. This means it doesn't transfer heat very efficiently, so the heat from the soup dissipates quickly.

* Thin material: The thinness of tinplate means it has a small thermal mass. This means it doesn't hold much heat itself, so it can't effectively keep the soup warm for long.

* Lack of insulation: Tinplate cans don't usually have any insulation, which would help to slow down heat loss.

Here's a comparison:

* Metal like stainless steel or aluminum are better conductors of heat, which is why they're often used in thermal containers.

* Ceramic or glass are even better at retaining heat, especially with a vacuum between the inner and outer layers.

In summary, while tinplate is great for storing and preserving food, its properties don't make it a good choice for keeping soup warm for extended periods.