🔹 Basic Information

• Element Name: Lead
• Discovered By: Known since ancient times (used by Egyptians and Romans)
• Year of Discovery: Ancient (prehistory)
• Category: Post-transition Metal
• Group: 14
• State at Room Temperature: Solid (soft, bluish-gray metal) ⚙️

Lead is a dense, soft metal that’s easy to shape and has been used for thousands of years.

🔸 Chemical Properties

• Chemical Symbol: Pb
• Atomic Number: 82
• Atomic Mass: ~207.2 u
• Valency: +2, +4
• Electronic Configuration: [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p²

Lead is resistant to corrosion but can react with acids and bases under certain conditions.

📘 Basic Things to Know

Lead was once widely used in pipes, paints, and gasoline additives but is now limited due to its toxicity.

🤔 Interesting Facts

• The symbol “Pb” comes from the Latin word “plumbum” meaning “liquid silver” ⚗️
• Romans used lead for plumbing and cooking vessels, not knowing it’s poisonous 🏛️
• Lead can build up in the body and cause serious health problems, especially in children ⚠️
• Despite toxicity, lead shields radiation in hospitals and nuclear facilities 🛡️
• It’s very dense—heavier than many other metals of similar size! ⚖️

🔧 Common Uses

• Batteries: Lead-acid batteries for cars and backup power 🔋
• Radiation Shielding: Protective gear and barriers in X-ray and nuclear facilities 🛡️
• Ammunition: Bullets and shot (though being phased out due to environmental concerns) 🔫
• Glass & Ceramics: Adds weight and durability in specialty glass and glazes ⚗️
• Alloys: Combined with other metals to improve strength and corrosion resistance ⚙️

📚 Conclusion

Lead is a useful but hazardous metal with a long history. For students, it’s a good example of why understanding element properties is important for health and environment! 🌍⚠️