2070 – 10 – Lead & Tin

1m

Lead and tin are commonly grouped together because they have a similar low melting point. This allows them to be used in soldering alloys that can be used to create electrical connections and other metal joints.

Lead is a very soft, ductile metal that is bluish-white. It conducts electricity poorly and, like nickel, it resists corrosion. But, lead can tarnish when exposed to air. It is normally used in ammunition, sound-dampening applications and x-ray shielding.

Tin is also a soft, ductile metal. It has poor strength and is often used as a plating metal. It is a major ingredient in the metal that makes up bells.