Lead is a chemical element in the periodic table that has the symbol Pb (L. plumbum) and atomic number 82. A soft, heavy, toxic and malleable poor metal, lead is bluish white when freshly cut but tarnishes to dull gray when exposed to air. Lead is used in building construction, lead-acid batteries, bullets and shot, and is part of solder, pewter, and fusible alloys. Lead has the highest atomic number of all stable elements. (But see the article on bismuth, which has a half life so long it can be considered stable.)

Notable characteristics

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Lead has a dull luster and is a dense, ductile, very soft, highly malleable, bluish-white metal that has poor electrical conductivity. This true metal is highly resistant to corrosion. Because of this property, it is used to contain corrosive liquids (e.g. sulfuric acid). Lead can be toughened by adding a small amount of antimony or other metals to it. Lead is the only metal in which there is zero Thomson effect. Lead is also poisonous.

Applications

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• Lead is a major constituent of the lead-acid battery used extensively in car batteries.
• Lead is used as a coloring element in ceramic glazes, notably in the colors red and yellow.
• Lead is used as projectiles for firearms and fishing sinkers because of its density, low cost compared to alternative products and ease of use due to relatively low melting point. For health concerns see ^*
• Lead is used in some candles to treat the wick to ensure a longer, more even burn. Because of the dangers, European and North American manufacturers use more expensive alternatives such as zinc. ^*
• Lead is used as shielding from radiation.
• Molten lead is used as a coolant, eg. for lead cooled fast reactors.
• Lead glass is composed of 12-28% lead. It changes the optical characteristics of the glass and reduces the transmission of radiation.
• Lead is the traditional base metal of organ pipes, mixed with varying amounts of tin to control the tone of the pipe.
• Lead is used as electrodes in the process of electrolysis.
• Lead is used in solder for electronics.
• Lead is used in high voltage power cables as sheathing material to prevent water diffusion into insulation.
• Lead is used for the ballast keel of sailboats. Its high weight-to-volume ratio allows it to counterbalance the heeling effect of wind on the sails while at the same time occupying a small volume and thus offering the least underwater resistance.
• Lead is added to brass to reduce machine tool wear.
• Lead sheets are used as roofing material.

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J.D Trout writes that sympathy may lead to charity but it is empathy that leads to change. The Empathy Gap - http://bit.ly/7Ff0gu
curtisogden (Curtis Ogden) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 22:22:38 -0000
J.D Trout writes that sympathy may lead to charity but it is empathy that leads to change. The Empathy Gap - http://bit.ly/7Ff0gu
RT @RazorRaySVP #itsnotokay to lead a person in the wrong direction intentionally<>Especially if they are blind
OvaNightCeleb (Cre) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:06:15 -0000
RT @RazorRaySVP #itsnotokay to lead a person in the wrong direction intentionally<>Especially if they are blind
Seeeee? I'm all grown-up. Ordinarily I would have gone and asked mother a second time despite the fact that it could only lead to battle...!
sukidakara (skdkra) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:00:40 -0000
Seeeee? I'm all grown-up. Ordinarily I would have gone and asked mother a second time despite the fact that it could only lead to battle...!
EPA: Revisions to Lead Ambient Air Monitoring Requirements. Proposed Rule for 40 CFR Part 58. Federal Register vol 74 no 249
CyberRegs (CyberRegs) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 19:03:31 -0000
EPA: Revisions to Lead Ambient Air Monitoring Requirements. Proposed Rule for 40 CFR Part 58. Federal Register vol 74 no 249
#itsnotokay to continue to lead someone on when u really dont give a phuck, thats how u get cussed out, lmao
ashlynn32 (Ashley Lynn) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 18:41:08 -0000
#itsnotokay to continue to lead someone on when u really dont give a phuck, thats how u get cussed out, lmao
Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? Luke 6:39 Who are u following today?
RFATriple (Raleigh Adams III) Wed, 30 Dec 2009 17:24:21 -0000
Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? Luke 6:39 Who are u following today?

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