Which are the materials generally employed as solder in soldering operations in electronics?

The standard solder used in electronics is an alloy of lead (Pb) and tin (Sn). Textbook descriptions identify solder explicitly as a lead–tin alloy used for joining electrical wires and components because of its suitably low melting point and good wetting properties for metals [1]. Industry and practical guides likewise state that traditional electronic solders were mixtures of tin and lead (commonly 60/40 or 63/37 Sn/Pb) with melting points around ~180 °C, making them easy to work with; lead-free alternatives are now increasingly used but the classic choice remains tin–lead alloy for general electronic soldering.

Sources

1. [1] Science , class X (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 3: Metals and Non-metals > QUESTIONS > p. 54