Physics Coursework Speech - Lead

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Physics Coursework Speech

Dave King

12NI

Lead is one of the most widely used metals in the world but due to variable factors, it is rarely seen. It is normally hidden from view in such things as computer and TV screens, perfecting golf clubs, under car bonnets, batteries and probably most importantly radiation shielding. Contrary to popular belief lead is not used in pencils or household paint.  But today I’m not hear to talk about everyday uses for but more specifically the role that lead plays in shooting and air rifle sports.

Lead is a bluish-white lustrous metal with the atomic symbol PB. It is extremely ductile and a poor conductor of electricity. It does not corrode easily but when exposed to air will tarnish. Lead has played a major part in shooting for generations as a reasonably cheap form of ammunition. The reason for this is that lead is a very dense metal (around 12000kg/m2 with a hardness of 1.5 and is therefore efficient at the penetration of living and non-living targets.  If you look at this material selection chart you can see lead has a young’s modulus of around 16G/PA. This means that lead is a reasonably malleable material but also quite strong.

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There are many variances of lead pellets available for the many different aspects of shooting. As shown here, for instance, the spherical shape of this pellet increases the concentration of mass therefore increasing the penetration depth.

There are many advantages of using lead pellets for shooting, here are a few. 1. Although it is very dense, lead is also extremely malleable therefore making it easy to form and shape. Also lead is a quite abundant metal found worldwide therefore making it fairly cheap to buy. It is mined in most continents such as North America, South ...

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