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Lead (Pb)
Element with atomic number 82, category: Post-transition metal, a solid at room temperature.
Element 82 of 118
Post-transition metal
Lead
Group 14, Period 6
Common Uses
Car batteries (toxic)
Electron Diagram
About Lead
Lead is a chemical element with the symbol Pb and atomic number 82, meaning every atom has 82 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Post-transition metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 207.2 atomic mass units (u).
On the periodic table, Lead sits in group 14, period 6, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.
Uses of Lead
In daily life and industry, Lead is used for Car batteries (toxic). These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Post-transition metal category.
Electron Structure of Lead
Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Lead has 5 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 8, 18, 32, 22 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.
Explore Other Elements
Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.