2. By Max Goldberg

3. Lead was discovered in the ancient times before 1900AD, but we are not sure it’s place of origin nor it’s discoverer. Although we do know that it’s symbol (Pb) came from the Latin word, “Plumbum” meaning “liquid silver”. Lead was of minor importance for it was too soft for making tools or weapons apart from slingshot.

4. Atomic Number:82Atomic Number Atomic Weight: 207.2 Group: 14Group Period: 6Period Series: MetalsMetals Density (g/cc): 11.35 Melting Point (°K): 600.65 Boiling Point (°K): 2013 When put in a flame the flame turns a pale bluish. Atomic Radius: 1.81ÅAtomic RadiusÅ Atomic Volume: 18.17cm3/molAtomic Volumemol Covalent Radius: 1.47ÅCovalent RadiusÅ Electron Configuration: –1s2 2s2p6 3s2p6d10 4s2p6d10f14 5s2p6d10 6s2p2

5. Lead is most often in ores called galena as well as in pyromorphite, boulangerite and cerussite ores. Astonishingly, the world wide production of lead is around 2,800,000 tons per year and all of this is primarily mined in the USA, Australia, Mexico, Germany and France.

6. PAST: Some of the past uses of lead were in paints, pencils, plumbing, and insecticides. All of these uses are now none existent because of the threat of lead poisoning. PRESENT: Lead is now being used in shields against x-rays, alloys, storage batteries, ammunition, and some cable coverings. The reason that lead is still being used in these instances is because it is believed that lead is being used in a way that will not hurt humans. FUTURE: In the Future I believe that lead will no longer be used in anything, for scientists will learn that lead is dangerous in any condition over a long period of time.

8. Bibliography Mark Winter, http://www.webelements.com/ Copyright 1993-2006 [The University of Sheffield and WebElements Ltd, UK].Mark Winter http://www.webelements.com/ CopyrightThe University of Sheffield