Lead (Pb)
Lead is element 82, a post-transition metal in period 6, group 14 of the periodic table. At room temperature it is a solid.
Electron configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2
Electrons per shell 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 4
Lead data
| Atomic number | 82 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Pb |
| Atomic mass | 207.2 u |
| Category | Post-transition metal |
| Group | 14 |
| Period | 6 |
| Block | p |
| State at 25 °C | solid |
| Melting point | 601 K (327.9 °C) |
| Boiling point | 2022 K (1748.9 °C) |
| Density | 11.34 g/cm³ |
| Electronegativity (Pauling) | 2.33 |
| Atomic radius | 147 pm |
| 1st ionization energy | 716 kJ/mol |
| Electron affinity | -35 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation states | -4, +2, +4 |
| Common ion charge | 2+, 4+ |
| Discovered | Known since antiquity |
Orbital diagram
Each box is one orbital holding up to two electrons of opposite spin. Following Hund’s rule, electrons spread out singly across a subshell before pairing.
Work through lead’s configuration and its ions →
Where lead sits
Lead belongs to the post-transition metals. Its Pauling electronegativity of 2.33 is mid-range; see the electronegativity chart and periodic trends for context. To use its mass in a calculation, try the molar mass calculator.
Lead FAQ
What is the electron configuration of lead?
Lead (Z = 82) has the configuration 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 3d10 4s2 4p6 4d10 5s2 5p6 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2. In noble-gas shorthand that is [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2.
How many valence electrons does lead have?
4 (outer shell (n = 6)).
What is the atomic mass of lead?
The standard atomic weight of lead is 207.2 u, so one mole weighs 207.2 g.
Is lead a metal?
Yes. Lead is a post-transition metal.
What is the charge of a lead ion?
Lead most commonly forms Pb2+ or Pb4+.