Pb
207.200Lead
Kurşun
Lead is a dense toxic post-transition metal with atomic number 82 and symbol Pb. It is known for lead-acid batteries, radiation shielding, historical plumbing and paint hazards, U-Pb dating and radiogenic lead isotopes.
82
207.2 g/mol
[Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p²
2 | 8 | 18 | 32 | 18 | 4
2.33
11.34 g/cm³
327.5 °C
1748.8 °C
Antik çağ
Lead has been used since ancient times. Its symbol Pb comes from Latin plumbum, the root of plumbing, because lead was historically used in pipes, vessels, pigments and alloys.
Lead-204
Natural abundance: About 1.4%. Primordial stable lead isotope, not a major radiogenic decay product.Lead-206
Natural abundance: About 24.1%. Stable end product of the uranium-238 decay chain.Lead-207
Natural abundance: About 22.1%. Stable end product of the uranium-235 decay chain.Lead-208
Natural abundance: About 52.4%. Most abundant lead isotope and stable end product of the thorium-232 decay chain.PbSO₄
Lead(II) SulfateDischarge product in lead-acid batteries.PbO₂
Lead(IV) OxidePositive active material in lead-acid batteries.Pb(C₂H₅)₄
TetraethylleadHistorical anti-knock gasoline additive, now banned or phased out in most places.PbS
Lead(II) SulfideGalena ore, the main mineral source of lead.- Lead-acid batteries for vehicles, backup power and industrial storage
- Radiation shielding for X-rays and gamma rays
- U-Pb and Th-Pb geochronology using radiogenic lead isotopes
- Historical solders, paints and pipes, many now restricted because of toxicity
- Weights, ballast and specialized alloys where density is useful
Lead has no essential biological role and is a serious neurotoxin. Pb²⁺ can interfere with heme synthesis and nervous system development, which makes lead exposure especially dangerous for children.
- The word plumbing comes from plumbum, the Latin name behind the symbol Pb.
- Lead-208 has magic numbers of protons and neutrons, making it unusually stable among heavy nuclei.
- Lead isotope ratios are powerful tools for dating rocks and tracing pollution sources.
- Lead-acid batteries are among the most recycled consumer products in many countries.
- Lead has atomic number 82 and symbol Pb.
- Its electron configuration is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p².
- The +2 oxidation state is especially important because of the inert pair effect.
- Remember lead for toxicity, batteries, shielding and U-Pb dating.
What is the atomic number of lead?
The atomic number of lead is 82.
What is the electron configuration of lead?
Lead has the electron configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p².
What is lead used for?
Lead is used in lead-acid batteries, radiation shielding, weights, specialized alloys and isotope dating, while many older uses were restricted because of toxicity.
Why is lead toxic?
Lead can disrupt nervous system development, heme synthesis and many enzyme systems, making exposure especially harmful for children.
What is U-Pb dating?
U-Pb dating uses uranium decay to lead isotopes, especially Pb-206 and Pb-207, to determine ages of rocks and minerals.
Why is lead used for radiation shielding?
Lead is dense and has a high atomic number, so it absorbs X-rays and gamma rays efficiently.