Lead is widely used in a variety of industries because of its properties EXCEPT?

AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Non Nursing Subjects

Medium

Appeared in: AIIMS Raipur - 2017 (Shift-3)

Explanation

'Low boiling point' because this statement is factually incorrect regarding lead's properties.
Lead has a very high boiling point of 1749°C (3180°F). Therefore, a low boiling point is not a characteristic property and cannot be a reason for its industrial use.
While lead has a relatively low melting point (327.5°C), which makes it easy to work with, the question specifically refers to the boiling point.

Option B: This is a key useful property of lead. Lead's high resistance to corrosion is a primary reason for its use in car batteries, pipes, and as a protective sheathing for underwater cables.
Option C: This is a correct statement. Lead does not oxidize easily in air, which contributes to its anti-corrosive nature and durability.
Option D: This is a correct statement. Lead's ability to form alloys with other metals (e.g., tin to make solder) is a very important industrial property.

Visual 1: Infographic: Properties and Uses of Lead. A chart showing lead's key properties (high density, corrosion resistance, malleability, low melting point, high boiling point) and linking them to common industrial applications (batteries, solder, radiation shielding, construction).

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Properties of heavy metals and occupational health hazards as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses must be vigilant in identifying potential lead exposure in patients, especially those in high-risk occupations (e.g., battery manufacturing, painting, smelting) or living in older homes.
Key signs of lead poisoning (plumbism) to watch for include abdominal pain ('lead colic'), constipation, anemia, and neurological symptoms. A characteristic 'Burton's line' (a blue-black line on the gums) may be present in chronic cases.
Patient education is crucial. Nurses should advise on preventing exposure, such as avoiding contact with peeling old paint, using cold water for drinking and cooking (as lead leaches more into hot water), and promoting hand hygiene in industrial settings.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keyword 'EXCEPT'. This means you are looking for the option that is NOT a useful property of lead or is a false statement.
Review each option and evaluate it based on your knowledge of chemistry and materials science.
Option A: 'Low boiling point'. Recall or look up the properties of lead. Lead has a high boiling point (1749°C). This statement is false.
Option B: 'Anti-corrosive'. This is a well-known and primary property of lead.
Option C: 'Non Oxidizing'. This is related to being anti-corrosive and is a true property.
Option D: 'Mixes with other metals easily'. This is true; lead is used to make many alloys like solder.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Properties of heavy metals and occupational health hazards
Stem keywords: Lead, industries, properties
Lead-in keywords: EXCEPT
Negative lead-in flag: This question uses negative framing ('EXCEPT'). You must identify the property that is NOT a reason for lead's use.

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