Mendeleev
Periodic table · chemistry · physics
Element story

Lead

Atomic number 82 means that every Lead nucleus contains 82 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Lead.

Start with the nucleus

Atomic number 82 means that every Lead nucleus contains 82 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Lead.

Lead (Pb) is chemical element 82. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

In practice, it turns up most often in batteries, radiation shielding and construction.

See the atom

Conceptual visual: electron shells are a learning aid, not a literal picture of quantum orbitals.

What this number means

Atomic number 82 means that every Lead nucleus contains 82 protons. That proton count is the element's identity: change it and you no longer have Lead.

Keep exploring

→ Lead · Atomic structure · Periodic trends

82PbLead
Lead · Pb · Z = 82

Lead (Pb) is chemical element 82. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Understanding the element

Lead (Pb) is chemical element 82. It belongs to the post-transition metals, and its reference state at room temperature is a solid. Those basic facts are a useful starting point for its chemistry and applications.

Where do we encounter it?

In practice, it turns up most often in batteries, radiation shielding and construction.

What its position in the table tells us

Lead sits in period 6, group 14 and the P block. That location is useful because neighbouring elements often share trends in valence electrons, oxidation states and bonding behaviour.