THE CHEMISTRY OF LEAD.

 

 

The symbol for the metal lead is Pb on the periodic table and it is also low in the reactivity series resulting in it being rather unreactive.

 

 

EXTRACTION METHOD,

When lead is mined from the ground it is found as galena, symbol PbS. This solid is heated by hot air and changed to lead (II) Oxide, which is then used

 in many industries.

 

 

LEAD REACTIONS,

Lead reacts with most properties in the lab but the time taken for most reactions is quite slow and not very vigorous.  Here are short explanations of each reaction:

 

1) Reaction with air. The reaction with air is very slow. When lead is heated with oxygen, oxides of lead are formed.

                                  2Pb  + O2   = 2PbO

2) Reaction with water. The reaction with water is quite slow and also known as corrosion which produces a protective coating.

                                   Pb  + H O2   = PbO  + H2

3) Reaction with acids. The reaction with acids is very slow as shown from its position on the reactivity series just above hydrogen.

                                   Pb  + H2 SO4   = PbSO4  + H2

 

USES OF LEAD,

Lead has many uses in the world and some we could not survive without:

In batteries and shielding material against radiation; also in making additives for petrol, though this one is on the way out now! It has uses in the household as roofing, piping, batteries  and solder.

 

                                                             By Cathal Diamond.   11D