Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Lead (II) nitrate is an inorganic compound composed of lead(II) cations (Pb2+) and nitrate anions (NO3-). It is often used in laboratories for various chemical reactions.
An aqueous solution refers to any solution where water serves as the solvent. When lead(II) nitrate dissolves in water, it forms an aqueous solution containing Pb2+ cations and NO3- anions.
Nitrate: A nitrate is a polyatomic ion composed of one nitrogen atom (N) and three oxygen atoms (O). The nitrate ion, NO3-, is negatively charged due to the presence of three additional electrons. In lead(II) nitrate, there are two nitrate ions bonded to one lead(II) cation.
A cation is a positively charged ion that forms when an atom or molecule loses electrons. Lead(II) nitrate contains Pb2+ cations, which have lost two electrons.