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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Lead and Tin?

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Lead and tin are both group 14 chemical elements in the periodic table, but they have some key differences:

  1. Color and appearance: Lead is a metallic grey metal with a blue hue, while tin is a silvery-white metal.
  2. Density: Lead is the densest of the two metals, followed by tin.
  3. Melting point: Both metals have low melting points, but lead has a higher melting point than tin.
  4. Toxicity: Lead is toxic to humans and animals, even in small amounts.
  5. Chemical properties: Lead forms insoluble sulfate (white) and iodide (yellow), while tin forms an insoluble sulfide (brown).
  6. Hardness: Tin is harder than lead.

To distinguish between lead and tin, you can perform a few simple tests:

  • Melting point: Lead has a higher melting point than tin, so you can compare the melting points of the samples to identify the material.
  • Chemical reaction: Dissolve some of the sample in hydrochloric acid, then add sodium iodide or potassium iodide. If you see a yellow precipitate, the sample contains lead.
  • Hardness: Tin is harder than lead, so you can compare the hardness of the samples to identify the material.
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  • What is the Difference Between Lead and Tin?
  • Comparative Table: Lead vs Tin

    • Comparative Table: Lead vs Tin

    Here is a table comparing the differences between lead and tin:

    Property Lead Tin
    Atomic Number 82 50
    Atomic Symbol Pb Sn
    Atomic Weight 207.2 118.71
    Phase at STP Solid Solid
    Color Slate Gray Silver
    Metallic Classification Post Transition Metal Post Transition Metal
    Group in Periodic Table Group 14 Group 14
    Period in Periodic Table Period 6 Period 5
    Electronic Configuration [Xe] 4f14 5d10 6s2 6p2 [Kr] 4d10 5s2 5p2
    Electronic Shell Structure (Electrons per shell) 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 4 2, 8, 18, 18, 4
    Melting Point 600.61 K 505.08 K
    Boiling Point 2022 K 2875 K
    Density 11.342 g/cm3 at room temperature 7.287 g/cm3 at room temperature

    Lead and tin are both metallic elements, but they have some differences in their properties. Lead has a metallic grey color with a blue hue, while tin is a silvery-white metal. Lead has a higher atomic weight, density, and melting point compared to tin. Both elements are post-transition metals and belong to the same group (14) in the periodic table.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.