What is the chemical symbol for lead?

The story behind the answer

Pb is the symbol for lead because it comes from the Latin name plumbum—the source of words like plumbing and plumb line, since Romans used lead pipes. Lead (atomic number 82) is a dense, soft, and malleable heavy metal; although its toxicity has restricted use in paints and gasoline, it’s still used in car batteries and radiation shielding.

Memory tip: “Plumber uses lead pipes—plumbum—Pb.” The other options are incorrect: Pm is promethium, and Ld and Le aren’t official chemical symbols.