Lead (Pb)
Post-transition metal · p-block · period 6 · group 14
Soft, heavy, dull grey metal that leaves a mark on paper.
Lead (symbol Pb) is chemical element number 82, a post-transition metal in group 14, period 6 of the periodic table. Its standard atomic weight is 207.2 and its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2. At room temperature it is a solid. Roman plumbing (and the word 'plumber') used lead pipes; its symbol Pb is from 'plumbum'.
Properties
| Atomic number | 82 |
|---|---|
| Atomic mass | 207.2 |
| Category | Post-transition metal |
| Block | p-block |
| Group · Period | 14 · 6 |
| Electron configuration | [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2 |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 4 |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 600.61 K |
| Boiling point | 2022 K |
| Density | 11.34 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 1.87 |
| Radioactive | No |
| Origin | primordial |
| Discovered | Known since antiquity · Known since antiquity |
Key facts about Lead
- Roman plumbing (and the word 'plumber') used lead pipes; its symbol Pb is from 'plumbum'.
- A cumulative poison that harms the brain, especially in children — which is why leaded petrol and paint were banned.
- Dense and cheap, so it shields against X-rays and gamma rays.
- The car battery is still a lead-acid battery after 160 years.
What Lead is used for
Car batteries, radiation shielding, roofing and flashing, fishing and diving weights, older solder and pigments.
Where it sits in the periodic table
Lead is in group 14, period 6, of the p-block. Its electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2 means its outermost shell holds 4 electrons, which is what places it here and explains much of its chemistry. See Lead on the interactive table →
Lead — frequently asked questions
What is Lead used for?
Car batteries, radiation shielding, roofing and flashing, fishing and diving weights, older solder and pigments.
Is Lead radioactive?
No. Lead has at least one stable isotope and is not radioactive.
What is the electron configuration of Lead?
Lead has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2, which is 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 4 electrons per shell.
What group and period is Lead in?
Lead is in group 14, period 6, in the p-block. Its outer shell holds 4 electrons.
Who discovered Lead?
Lead has been known since ancient times.