Answer to Question #122424 in General Chemistry for mohammed

Question

Lead is an un-reactive metal. Describe the structure of lead metal.

Answer 1

Lead forms metallic bond where only p-electrons are delocalized and move between the metal ions in the crystal lattice. This metal has a face-centered cubic structure. Exposure of lead to moist air leads to the formation of a protective layer on its surface - e.g. oxide, carbonate.