Iron vs. Lead: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 29, 2023
Iron is a strong, hard magnetic metal, used extensively in construction and manufacturing; lead is a heavy, soft, malleable metal, known for its toxicity and use in batteries and shielding.
Key Differences
Iron, a metallic element with the symbol Fe, is known for its strength, durability, and magnetic properties, making it essential in construction and manufacturing. Lead, with the symbol Pb, is a heavier, softer metal, known for its malleability and low melting point, but is toxic and used in more specialized applications like batteries and radiation shielding.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
Iron is abundant in the earth's crust and is the main component of steel, an alloy critical to modern infrastructure and industry. Lead, less abundant, has historical uses in pipes and paint, but its use has decreased due to health concerns, though it remains important in battery production and radiation protection.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
In terms of physical properties, iron is hard and magnetic, with a high melting point, making it ideal for structures and machinery. Lead, in contrast, is soft and easily shaped, with a low melting point, but its toxicity has limited its use, especially in consumer products.
Huma Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
Iron plays a crucial role in biology, being a key component of hemoglobin in blood, while lead is toxic to living organisms and can cause serious health issues if ingested or inhaled.
Harlon Moss
Nov 29, 2023
The industrial and commercial use of iron is widespread, from construction materials to automobiles, whereas lead, due to its toxicity, is used in more controlled and specific applications like in lead-acid batteries and X-ray shielding.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Use in Industry
Extensive in construction, machinery.
Batteries, radiation shielding, limited consumer use.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
Abundance and Availability
More abundant in Earth's crust.
Less abundant, more restricted use.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
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Iron and Lead Definitions
Iron
A device for pressing clothes.
She used an iron to smooth out the wrinkles in her shirt.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
Lead
A clue or piece of information.
The detective followed a promising lead in the case.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
Iron
To press and smooth with an iron.
He ironed his pants to look sharp for the meeting.
Janet White
Nov 29, 2023
Lead
A heavy, soft, malleable metal.
The pipes in the old house were made of lead.
Huma Saeed
Nov 29, 2023
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Lead
To go or guide in a direction.
She will lead the team in the upcoming project.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
Iron
A strong, magnetic metallic element.
The bridge is reinforced with iron beams for extra strength.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
Iron
Symbolic of strength or hardness.
She had an iron will, never giving up in the face of adversity.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
Lead
The main role in a play or film.
He landed the lead role in the new Broadway musical.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2023
Iron
Symbol Fe A silvery-white, lustrous, malleable, ductile, magnetic or magnetizable, metallic element occurring abundantly in combined forms, notably in hematite, limonite, magnetite, and taconite, and used alloyed in a wide range of important structural materials. Atomic number 26; atomic weight 55.845; melting point 1,538°C; boiling point 2,861°C; specific gravity 7.874 (at 20°C); valence 2, 3, 4, 6. See Periodic Table.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 22, 2023
Iron
An implement made of iron alloy or similar metal, especially a bar heated for use in branding, curling hair, or cauterizing.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 22, 2023
FAQs
Can iron be toxic?
Excessive iron can be harmful, but it is generally non-toxic in normal amounts.
Janet White
Nov 29, 2023
What is a lead-acid battery?
It's a type of battery that uses lead and sulfuric acid to store electrical energy.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
What are the health benefits of iron?
Iron is essential for forming hemoglobin in blood, which carries oxygen.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
What are the main uses of lead?
Lead is used in batteries, radiation shielding, and some alloys.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
Is lead harmful to health?
Yes, lead is toxic and can cause serious health issues.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
How is lead poisoning prevented?
By avoiding exposure to lead in paint, pipes, and contaminated soil.
Janet White
Nov 29, 2023
What is iron primarily used for?
Iron is used in construction, manufacturing, and as a key component in steel.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 29, 2023
Why has the use of lead decreased?
Due to its toxicity, the use of lead has decreased, especially in consumer products.
Harlon Moss
Nov 29, 2023
What role does iron play in the environment?
Iron is a natural part of the earth's crust and is essential for plant growth.
Janet White
Nov 29, 2023
Is lead used in construction?
Lead's use in construction has decreased due to health risks.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2023
Can lead be found in nature?
Yes, lead is naturally occurring but less abundant than iron.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2023
Can iron be alloyed with other metals?
Yes, iron is commonly alloyed to make steel.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2023
Why is lead used in radiation shielding?
Lead is effective at blocking radiation due to its high density.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 29, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
