answersLogoWhite

0

The Atomic Mass of lead (Pb) is 207.2 and gold (Au) is 196.9, however the actual specific gravity of each metal has an ironic inverse effect on their apparent weight for a given volume. For example, lead has a specific gravity of 11.34 times the weight of water, whereas gold is 19.32 time heavier than the same displacement volume of water. This discrepancy is due to how the metal's atoms arrange themselves in a crystalline structure. Lead has larger vacuum spaces between the atoms, thus causing it to be much lighter that it actually should be. On the other hand, gold forms a more compact mass which is a more common trait amongst the majority of the elemental metals. So in answer to the question, for all intents and purposes, gold seems almost twice as heavy as lead, but on the atomic level lead is slightly heavier than gold.

User Avatar

Wiki User

15y ago

What else can I help you with?