Lead Facts
Chemical Symbol Pb
Atomic number 82
Atomic weight 207.2
Soft malleable shiny gray metal
Has no smell or no taste
Lead is the heaviest naturally occurring element that is not radioactive
Lead is classified as a post-transition metal and is also a member of the carbon group.
The chemical symbol for lead(Pb) derived from the Latin word "plumbum" meaning pipe metal
Lead is mainly found in the ores galena, cerussite, and anglesite.
The main lead mineral is galena, which is nothing but crystals of lead sulfide. Lead sulfide or galina is the main source of lead for industries.
Lead is relatively poor conductor of electricity and heat.
Lead readily forms alloys with other metals.
It is denser than other common metals.
Lead absorbs radiation. Hence it is also used to protect from radiation.
Lead is used in the manufacture of lead-acid storage batteries.
Lead and its compounds are highly poisonous, affecting almost every organ and system in the body. Lead poisoning, also known as plumbism is a medical condition in humans and other vertebrates caused by increased levels of lead in the body.