2007-06-02 05:39:54 · 4 answers · asked by Atulbhai M 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
To the best of my knowledge elemental lead and gold should not react nor dissolve one another at room temp.
The previous post is right though that someone may have gotten confused with mercury and lead, as mercury will amalgamate with gold.
2007-06-02 07:19:18 · answer #1 · answered by kay185 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The reason is that, if the two metals are in contact, the lead will slowly diffuse into the gold. Once there, it can only be removed by distillation, which is an extremely toxic process. The same is true for mercury - never bring mercury into contact with a gold ring.
2007-06-02 06:04:15 · answer #2 · answered by Gervald F 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Lead is too ugly to hang out with gold?
Seriously, there is no fundamental chemical reason for them not to be in proximity or even in direct contact. There is an electrochemical potential between the two, but for a reaction to occur, one would have to be oxidized and one would be reduced (the electrons have to go somewhere). Neither metallic lead or gold will accept an electron, so reduction cannot occur. No harm, no foul in keeping them together.
2007-06-02 06:02:14 · answer #3 · answered by Matt L 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
lead is more electropositive than compared to gold.
This means lead has higher tendency to release electrons to make itself positive compared to gold. When you put them together lead releases lots of electron and is oxidised. This is why we shouldnt put them together.
2007-06-02 05:54:59 · answer #4 · answered by lilmaninbigpants 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋