Discuss the extraction and properties of lead. What are its common allotropes? Discuss in brief.

Short Answer

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The extraction of lead involves concentration, roasting, reduction and refining. Lead is a bluish-white lustrous, malleable metal with high resistance to corrosion, a low melting point, and excellent sound absorption capabilities. It does not have any allotropes, unlike other elements like carbon or tin.

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01

Discussion on the Extraction Process of Lead

Lead is normally found in its ore form such as galena (PbS). The extraction process involves the following steps: \n 1. Concentration: The ore is crushed and concentrated through froth floatation process. \n 2. Roasting: The concentrated ore is then roasted in the presence of excess air. Here sulphur, phosphorous, arsenic and antimony associated with the ore are oxidised to their volatile forms and escape. \n 3. Reduction: The roasted ore is reduced in a blast furnace using coke as the reducing agent. \n 4. Refining: Lastly, the impure metal is purified by electrolytic refining.
02

Discussion on The Properties of Lead

Lead has several distinctive properties: \n 1. It is a bluish-white lustrous metal. \n 2. It is very malleable and soft enough to be cut with a knife. \n 3. It has a high resistance to corrosion. \n 4. Its high density makes it useful in applications that require weight for balance or momentum, such as anchor weights. \n 5. It also has a low melting point and excellent sound absorption capabilities.
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Discussion on The Allotropes of Lead

Lead does not have any allotropes. It exists in only one form under normal conditions, unlike elements like carbon or tin that have multiple allotropes.

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