Element 82
Lead
Post-transition metals
Lead (Pb) is in the p-block of the periodic table — group 14, period 6.
Lead (/lɛd/) is a chemical element in the carbon group with symbol Pb (from Latin:plumbum) and atomic number 82.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 82
- Atomic mass
- 207.210 u
- Group / Period
- 14 / 6
- Block
- p-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 11.34 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 327.5 °C
- Boiling point
- 1748.8 °C
- Electron configuration
- [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2
Periodic table block
Lead is in the p-block (group 14, period 6). Elements land in the p-block when their highest-energy electrons fill a p subshell — this region holds most nonmetals, the metalloids, and the metals on the right of the table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Car batteries
- •Radiation shielding
- •Old paints (banned)
Discovery
Year: Known since antiquity
Discovered by: Middle East
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Lead?
Lead has atomic number 82. Its symbol is Pb and its atomic mass is 207.21 u.
What category of element is Lead?
Lead is classified as post-transition metals. It sits in group 14, period 6 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Lead in?
Lead is in the p-block (group 14, period 6). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the p subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2.
What is Lead used for?
Common uses of Lead include: Car batteries, Radiation shielding, Old paints (banned).
When was Lead discovered?
Lead has been known since antiquity.
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