Lead

Lead (/lɛd/) is a chemical element in the carbon group with symbol Pb (from Latin:plumbum) and atomic number 82. Lead is a soft, malleable and heavy post-transition metal. Metallic lead has a bluish-white color after being freshly cut, but it soon tarnishes to a dull grayish color when exposed to air.

Properties

• Phase: Solid
• Density: 11.34 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 600.61 K
• Boiling Point: 2022 K

Uses

• Batteries (lead-acid)
• Radiation shielding
• Ammunition (bullets)
• Weights and sinkers
• Plumb bobs
• Soldering (historical, less common now due to toxicity)

Extraction Process

Lead is mainly obtained from galena (lead sulfide). The ore is crushed and roasted in air to form lead oxide, then smelted with carbon in a furnace to produce molten lead. The metal is refined to remove impurities such as silver, copper, and sulfur.