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
Lead is a major constituent of the lead-acid battery used extensively in car batteries.
Lead is used as a coloring element in ceramicglazes, 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 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.
Lenntech: Lead - Physical data, chemical properties, health and environmental effects.
Meta Description: [ chemical properties, health and environmental effects of lead ]
USGS Minerals Information: Lead - Statistics and information on the worldwide supply, demand, and flow of the element (PDF format).
Meta Description: [ Statistics and information on the worldwide supply, demand, and flow of lead ]
404WebElements: Lead - Extensive information on history, uses, occurrence, compounds, and properties.
Meta Description: [ This WebElements periodic table page contains key information for the element lead ]
Wikipedia: Lead - Properties of the element, including its history, applications, and characteristics.