Question

Is lead metal or nonmetal?

Answer 1

Hint: In the periodic table the metals are placed on the left side and the non-metals are placed on the right-side separated by the line of metalloids. Lead is placed in group 14 i.e. carbon family in the periodic table. It is denoted by the symbol “Pb”.

Complete answer:
To know whether Lead is a metal or non-metal let’s see some of its properties.
The atomic number of lead is 82. It is paced in the group IVA of the periodic table right below Tin (Sn). It gets its abbreviation from the Latin name ‘plumbum’.
Properties of Lead:
Lead is a heavy metal because it has a high atomic number and relatively higher density \[\left( 11.34\text{ }g/c{{m}^{3}} \right)\]
It is quite unreactive post-transition metal (the elements situated in between the transition metals and the non-metallic metalloids)
It is amphoteric in nature as it reacts with both acids and bases to form covalent bonds.
Lead is soft in nature and is malleable (it can be beaten into sheets).
It also has a low melting point \[327.46~{}^\circ C\]. This is due to the weak covalent bonds and bigger size of the element which decreases the attraction between the nucleus and the electrons.
Lead is solid at room temperature.
Lead is an element with a high atomic number that shows stability and no radioactive properties.
It changes colour when exposed to air.
The metal can form a chain and polyhedral structures.
Lead has four stable isotopes which have atomic mass numbers of 204, 206, 207, and 208.
According to the above properties, we can conclude that Lead is metal. But it is a weak and unreactive metal.

Additional information:
Lead was discovered very early by humans. It is highly toxic and its toxicity increases with its solubility. Its retention in the body can lead to various abnormalities in children and adults.

Note:
To state the metallic nature of an element, always compare it with the general properties of the metals and remember the exceptions. Lead shows some relatability with properties of metals but the chemical characteristics are low in number.