Pb
Lead
Z = 82 · Post-Transition Metal · 207.2 u
Nuclear Engineering Significance
Primary gamma-ray shielding material due to high density (11.3 g/cm³) and high atomic number. Very low thermal absorption (σ_a = 0.171 b). Lead and lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) are coolants in some fast reactor designs (BREST, SVBR). Pb-208 is doubly magic and nearly transparent to neutrons.
Basic properties
- Atomic number (Z)
- 82
- Standard atomic mass
- 207.2 u
- Category
- Post-Transition Metal
Isotopes & cross-section data
| Isotope | Mass (A) | Half-life | ZAID | Libraries |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pb-204 | 204 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Pb-206 | 206 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Pb-207 | 207 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c | |
| Pb-208 | 208 | Stable | .80c.71c.70c |