Lead
Symbol | Pb |
Atomic Number | 82 |
Atomic Mass | 207.2 |
Discovered by | In the Middle East (7000 BCE) |
Chemical Properties of Lead
Group | 14 | Melting point | 327.462°C, 621.432°F, 600.612 K |
Period | 6 | Boiling point | 1749°C, 3180°F, 2022 K |
Block | p | Density (g cm−3) | 11.3 |
Atomic number | 82 | Relative atomic mass | 207.2 |
State at 20°C | Solid | Key isotopes | 208Pb |
Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2 | CAS number | 7439-92-1 |
ChemSpider ID | 4509317 | ChemSpider is a free chemical structure database |
What is Lead?
- Lead is an element of the periodic table with an atomic number of 82.
- Lead (Pb) is a metal which has been used by humans for centuries dating back to 7000 BC.
- The element is present in various minerals in minute quantities excluding sulphide and lead glance(PBS) which is used to produce the metal around the world.
Uses of Lead
- It is a metal that has been used since Roman times for making paints and pipes as a corrosion resistant.
- Used in car batteries and a major ingredient of lead acid batteries.
- For soldering parts of electrical equipment.
- As electrodes in electrolysis processes.
Properties of Lead
- Lead (Pb) is a white lustrous metal with a soft texture and is highly malleable.
- The metal is highly corrosion resistant, in addition to not being a poor conductor of electricity.
- The metal in its powdered form produces a bluish-white flame when burnt in air.
- Once mixed with fluorine in room temperature forms lead fluoride.
Important Facts About Lead
- The metal element is hazardous for humans and would target the vital internal organs leading to several cases of lead poisoning.
- The metal is said to hamper the growth of organs and the brain of young children.
- Lead is one among a handful of elements which were known to the society from ancient times; thus, it was never formally discovered. In fact, alchemists considered lead as one of the oldest metals.
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