Atomica
82Pb207.2

Lead

Post-transition metals

Softer metals with lower melting points, often used in alloys and solders.

[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p²

Atomic number
82
Atomic mass
207.2
Protons
82
Neutrons
125 (most common)
Electrons
82
Shells
2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 4
State at 25 °C
Solid
Position
Group 14, period 6
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byKnown since ancient times

The Romans used lead for water pipes. Its symbol Pb comes from the Latin plumbum, which also gives us the word plumbing.

Did you know?

  • Lead was removed from petrol and paint because it harms the brain. India phased out leaded petrol by 2000.
  • It is soft enough to scratch with a fingernail.

Where it's found

  • Galena ore

What it's used for

  • Car batteries
  • Radiation shielding in X-ray rooms

Try it

There's no safe home experiment for Lead. Explore it with the animated atom above instead.