Lead(II) oxide facts for kids
Lead(II) oxide is a special chemical compound. It's also known as plumbous oxide or litharge. Its chemical formula is PbO. This means it's made of one lead atom and one oxygen atom. The lead in this compound has a +2 oxidation state, which is how chemists describe its electrical charge.
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What is Lead(II) Oxide Like?
Lead(II) oxide can be a bright yellow or a reddish solid. If you heat it up with charcoal, it turns into shiny, liquid lead metal. It's a crystalline solid, which means its atoms are arranged in a very organized pattern, like tiny building blocks.
Because it contains lead, this compound is very toxic. This means it can be harmful if not handled carefully. Lead(II) oxide also reacts with acids to form different lead salts. It can also react with bases to create substances called plumbites.
How is Lead(II) Oxide Made?
You can make lead(II) oxide by heating lead metal very strongly in the air. It can also be made by heating other lead compounds, like lead carbonate or lead nitrate.
What is Lead(II) Oxide Used For?
Lead(II) oxide is important when we get lead from its ores. For example, a common lead ore called galena contains lead sulfide. This lead sulfide is changed into lead(II) oxide. Then, the lead(II) oxide is heated with charcoal to get pure, liquid lead metal.
This compound is also used to make a special type of glass called lead glass. This glass is often used in things like crystal glassware because it's very clear and sparkly. In the past, lead(II) oxide was also used in some types of paint.
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