Lead(II) sulfate facts for kids
Lead(II) sulfate, also known as plumbous sulfate, is a chemical compound. Its chemical formula is PbSO4. This means it is made of one lead atom, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms. It contains lead and sulfate ions. An ion is an atom or molecule that has an electric charge. In this compound, the lead has a positive charge of +2.
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What is Lead(II) Sulfate?
Lead(II) sulfate is a white, solid substance. It looks like a white powder or crystals. It is important to know that this compound is toxic because it contains lead. This means it is not safe to touch or eat.
How it Behaves
Lead(II) sulfate does not dissolve in water. This means if you put it in water, it will not disappear or mix into the water. It also does not dissolve in sulfuric acid, which is a very strong acid.
Where Does It Come From?
Lead(II) sulfate can be found naturally as a mineral called anglesite. This mineral forms when another mineral, galena, reacts with oxygen in the air over a long time.
How It's Made and Used
One common place where lead(II) sulfate is made is inside a lead-acid battery. These are the types of batteries often found in cars. When a car battery is used, lead(II) sulfate forms on the battery plates. This process helps the battery store and release electricity.
Scientists can also make lead(II) sulfate in a lab. They do this by mixing other lead compounds, like lead(II) acetate or lead(II) nitrate, with any substance that contains a sulfate.
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