29 Lead Properties: Everything You Need to Know!

Below is a detailed table for the chemical element Lead (Pb), showcasing its comprehensive properties, applications, and safety precautions. The table is divided into several sections as requested.

Lead Basic Properties

Property	Detail
Atomic Number	82
Atomic Mass	207.2 u
State at Room Temperature	Solid
Density	11.34 g/cm³
Electrons	82
Protons	82
Neutrons	Approximately 125
Family	Post-transition metal
Period	6
Discovery	Known to ancients, quantified by alchemists
Cost	Varies with market, typically low cost due to abundance

Lead Physical Properties

Property	Detail
Melting Point	327.5 °C
Boiling Point	1749 °C
Solubility	Insoluble in water
Conductivity	Good electrical conductor
Magnetism	Diamagnetic
Color	Metallic gray
Odor	None
Hardness	1.5 Mohs
Vapor Pressure	Low at room temperature
Viscosity	High in molten state
Surface Tension	High in molten state
Refractive Index	N/A
Specific Heat Capacity	0.128 J/g·K
Thermal Expansion	28.9 µm/m·K

Lead Chemical Properties

Property	Detail
Reactivity	Low, but reacts with strong oxidizers
Flammability	Non-flammable
pH	N/A
Oxidation States	-4, +2, +4
Electronegativity	2.33 (Pauling scale)
Corrosion Resistance	Resistant to corrosion due to passivation
Chemical Stability	Stable under normal conditions
Heat of Combustion	N/A
Rate of Reaction	Slow with most substances
Acid-Base Behavior	Amphoteric
Redox Potential	-0.126 V (Pb²⁺/Pb)

Lead Spectroscopic Properties

Property	Detail
Absorption Spectrum	Specific to lead compounds
Emission Spectrum	Lines at 405.8 nm, 368.3 nm, and others
NMR Properties	207Pb isotope is NMR active

Lead Crystallographic Properties

Property	Detail
Crystal Structure	Face-centered cubic (fcc)
Unit Cell Dimensions	a = 4.950 Å

Lead Electronic Properties

Property	Detail
Band Gap	N/A for metals
Electrical Resistivity	22 nΩ·m at 20 °C

Lead Isotopic Composition

Lead has four stable isotopes, which are significant both scientifically and for various applications:

Isotope	Origin	Notes
	Primordial
	Derived from Uranium decay	Most common isotope.
	Derived from Thorium decay
	Derived from Thorium decay	Has the highest atomic weight among them.

Lead Discovery

Lead has been known since ancient times, with no specific date of discovery. Its extensive use dates back to at least 5000 BC.

Interesting Facts on Lead

• Lead has been used for thousands of years due to its abundance and easy extraction.
• It was historically used in pipes, paints, and gasoline, though these uses have been reduced due to health risks.

Lead Applications and Uses

Industrial Uses

• Batteries (lead-acid batteries for cars and backup power systems)
• Shielding from radiation (X-ray rooms, nuclear reactors)
• Alloys (solder, pewter)
• Cable sheathing
• Building construction materials

Medical Uses

• Radiation shielding in protective gear and medical devices

Agricultural Uses

• Limited due to toxicity; previously used in pesticides

Energy Production

• Lead-acid batteries for energy storage

Technology and Electronics

• Solder and other electronic components (with restrictions)

Environmental Applications

• Stabilization of certain types of radioactive waste

Safety Precautions for Lead

• Use personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling lead or lead compounds.
• Ensure proper ventilation in work areas to avoid inhalation of lead dust or fumes.
• Regular monitoring of blood lead levels for individuals exposed to lead.
• Use of lead-safe practices in industries and construction to minimize exposure.
• Proper disposal and recycling of lead-containing products to prevent environmental contamination.

References: rsc.org, wikipedia