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Lead
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Lead is the fifth element of the fourteenth column in the periodic table. It is classified as a post-transition metal, a heavy metal, and a poor metal. Lead atoms have 82 electrons and 82 protons with 4 valence electrons in the outer shell.
Characteristics and Properties
Under standard conditions lead is a soft silvery metal with a bluish tint. It becomes a darker gray after coming into contact with air. It is very malleable (can be pounded into a thin sheet) and ductile (can be stretched into a long wire). Lead is a poor electrical conductor when compared to other metals.
Lead is a very heavy element. It combines with other elements to make a variety of minerals including galena (lead sulfide), anglesite (lead sulfate), and cerussite (lead carbonate).
Where is it found on Earth?
Lead can be found in the Earth's crust in its free form, but it is mostly found in ores with other metals such as zinc, silver, and copper. Even though there isn't a high concentration of lead in the Earth's crust, it is fairly easy to mine and refine.
How is lead used today?
The majority of lead produced today is used in lead-acid batteries. These types of batteries are used in cars because of their low cost and high power.
Because lead is resistant to corrosion, has such a high density, and is relatively inexpensive, it is used in water applications such as weights for scuba divers and ballasts for sailboats.
Other applications that use lead include roofing material, electrolysis, statues, solder for electronics, and ammunition.
What is lead poisoning?
Too much lead in the body can cause lead poisoning. Lead can accumulate in the body's bones and soft tissues. If too much accumulates it will damage the nervous system and can cause brain disorders. Lead is toxic to many of the body's organs including the heart, kidneys, and intestines. Too much lead can cause headaches, confusion, seizures, and even death.
Lead poisoning is especially dangerous in children. One of the leading causes of lead poisoning was lead in paint. Today, lead paint is banned in the United States.
How was it discovered?
People have known about the metal lead since ancient times. The low melting point and malleability made it easy to smelt and to use for different applications. The Romans were major users of lead using it to make pipes for channeling water into their cities.
Where did lead get its name?
Lead is an Anglo-Saxon word for the metal that has been used and known about since ancient times. The symbol Pb comes from the Latin word for lead, "plumbum." The Romans used lead for making pipes, which is where the word "plumber" comes from as well.
Isotopes
Lead occurs naturally in the form of four isotopes. The most common isotope is lead-208.
Interesting Facts about Lead
- For many years lead and tin were thought to be the same metal. Lead was called "plumbum nigrum" for black lead and tin was called "plumbum album" for white lead.
- Over one million tons of lead is recycled each year.
- People have known about lead poisoning since Ancient China and Ancient Greece.
- The element is a member of the carbon group (column 14) in the periodic table.
- Alchemists associated it with the planet Saturn.
- Around 98% of all lead-acid batteries are recycled.
More on the Elements and the Periodic Table
More Chemistry Subjects
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Lead (Pb) - Element 82: Lead is a post-transition metal, falling under the 14th column of the periodic table. It is characterized as a heavy metal and a poor metal. With an atomic number of 82 and an atomic weight of 207.2, lead has 82 electrons and 82 protons, with 4 valence electrons in its outer shell.
Characteristics and Properties: Under standard conditions, lead is a soft silvery metal with a bluish tint. It becomes darker gray upon exposure to air. It is malleable and ductile, meaning it can be pounded into thin sheets and stretched into long wires, though it is a poor electrical conductor compared to other metals.
Occurrence and Mining: Lead can be found in the Earth's crust in its free form, but it is mostly present in ores alongside other metals such as zinc, silver, and copper. Although lead isn't highly concentrated in the Earth's crust, it is relatively easy to mine and refine.
Applications: The majority of lead produced is used in lead-acid batteries, particularly in automobiles due to their low cost and high power. Lead's resistance to corrosion, high density, and affordability make it useful in various applications, including weights for scuba divers, ballasts for sailboats, roofing material, electrolysis, statues, solder for electronics, and ammunition.
Lead Poisoning: Lead poisoning can occur when there is an excessive accumulation of lead in the body, leading to damage to the nervous system and various organs. Children are particularly vulnerable, and historically, lead in paint has been a significant cause of lead poisoning. Today, lead paint is banned in the United States.
Discovery and Etymology: Lead has been known since ancient times, with the Romans using it extensively, especially for making pipes. The word "lead" is derived from the Anglo-Saxon language, while its chemical symbol (Pb) comes from the Latin word "plumbum."
Isotopes and Interesting Facts: Lead naturally occurs in the form of four isotopes, with lead-208 being the most common. Interesting historical facts include the confusion between lead and tin, the association of lead with the planet Saturn by alchemists, and the recycling of over one million tons of lead each year.
This comprehensive overview of lead incorporates key concepts such as its properties, occurrence, applications, health considerations, historical aspects, and interesting facts within the broader context of the periodic table and elemental classification.
