| Lead | Name | Lead | | Symbol | Pb | | Atomic Number | 82 | | Atomic Mass | 207.2 atomic mass units | | Number of Protons | 82 | | Number of Neutrons | 125 | | Number of Electrons | 82 | | Melting Point | 327.5° C | | Boiling Point | 1740.0° C | | Density | 11.34 grams per cubic centimeter | | Normal Phase | Solid | | Family | Other Metals | | Period Number | 6 | | Cost | Unavailable | | Origin of Name | From the Greek word protos, meaning first The symbol came from the Latin word plumbum, meaning lead | | Date and Place of Discovery | Known to the ancients | | Discovered by | Unknown | | Common Compounds | - Lead azide [Pb(N3)2]
- Lead chloride (PbCl2)
- Lead chromate (PbCrO4)
- Lead hydrogen arsenate (PbHAsO4)
- Lead iodide (PbI2)
- Lead nitrate [Pb(NO3)2]
- Lead oxide (PbO2)
- Lead selenide (PbSe)
- Lead sulfate (PbSO4)
- Lead sulfide (PbS)
- Lead telluride (PbTe)
| | Interesting facts | - It does not occur in nature in large amounts.
- It is usually found in zinc, silver and copper ores.
- Galena contains about 86.6% of lead.
- The greatest source of lead today is in recycling automobile batteries.
- It is a soft, heavy, toxic metal that is malleable.
- It is bluish white when cut but as it is exposed to the air it turns a dull gray.
- It has the highest atomic number of all the stable elements.
- It is a neurotoxin that accumulates in soft tissues and bone.
- It is not a good conductor of electricity.
| | Common Uses | - Batteries
- Bullets
- Solder, especially for electronics
- Pewter
- Ceramic glaze coloring
- Fishing sinkers
- Radiation shield
- Coolant for reactors
- Organ pipes
- Electrolysis
- High voltage power cables
- Ballast keel of sailboats
- Roofing materials
- Scuba diving weight belts
| Photo Courtesy of About.com Chemical Elements Jefferson Labs Web Elements Wikipedia | | Lead Atomic Structure | Elements by Name | Elements by Number | Home | |
