What is the atomic number of lead?

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons found in the nucleus of its atoms. For lead, the atomic number is 82, which means that in its most stable and abundant form, lead has 82 protons. This number is fundamental to understanding the element's position in the periodic table, where elements are organized by increasing atomic number. Lead's atomic number of 82 also reflects its properties and behavior in chemical reactions, distinguishing it from other elements with different atomic numbers. Understanding the atomic number is crucial for identifying elements and predicting their reactivity, especially in fields such as chemistry and materials science.