Lead is a Block P, Group 14, Period 6 element. The number of electrons in each of Lead's shells is 2, 8, 18, 32, 18, 4 and its electronic configuration is [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p². In its elemental form lead's CAS number is 7439-92-1. The lead atom has a radius of 175.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 202.pm. Lead and its compounds are poisonous. Lead is a bluish-white metal of bright luster, naturally occurring as a mixture of four stable isotopes: 204Pb (1.48%), 206Pb (23.6%), 207Pb (22.6%), and 208Pb (52.3%). It is highly resistant to corrosion and can be used to contain corrosive liquids such as sulfuric acid. Great quantities of Lead, both as the dioxide and the metal, are used in batteries, cable covering, plumbing, and ammunition. Alloys include solder, type metal, and various antifriction metals and compounds. Lead is extremely effective at absorbing sound and vibration. It is also used as radiation shielding for X-ray equipment and nuclear reactors. Oxides of Lead are used in producing fine "crystal glass" and "flint glass" of a high index of refraction for achromatic lenses. Lead ceramics and crystalline material have a wide range of industrial and optical applications, including infrared detection and imaging. Lead-based semiconductors, such as lead telluride, lead selenide and lead antimonide are finding application in photovoltaic (solar energy) cells and infra red detectors. Lead was first discovered by Early Man. The origin of the name Lithium comes from the Greek word protos meaning "first". See Lead research below.

Potassium is a Block S, Group 1, Period 4 element. The number of electrons in each of Potassium's shells is 2, 8, 8, 1 and its electronic configuration is [Ar] 4s¹. In its elemental form potassium's CAS number is 7440-09-7. The potassium atom has a radius of 227.2 .pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 275.pm. Potassium is not toxic. Potassium is the seventh most abundant element on earth. In its metallic form it is one of the most reactive and electropositive of all metals and rapidly oxidizes. As with other metals of the alkali group, the metal decomposes in water with the evolution of hydrogen. It catches fire spontaneously in water. In high purity, potassium compounds have numerous pharmacological, medical, and electronics applications. Important compounds include the hydroxide, nitrate, carbonate, chloride, bromide, iodide, and sulfate. Lower purity compounds are used in pyrotechnics for its violet color on ignition and in glass and ceramic glazes to produce this color. Potassium also used as a nutrient in plant growth. Potassium was first discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1807. The origin of the element name comes from the English word 'potash' meaning pot ashes and the Arabic word 'qali' which means alkali. The symbol K originates from the Latin word 'kalium'. See Potassium research below.

Niobium is a Block D, Group 5, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Niobium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 12, 1 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 4d⁴ 5s¹. In its elemental form niobium's CAS number is 7440-03-1. The niobium atom has a radius of 142.9.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Some niobium compounds are considered very toxic. Niobium is the basis for various barium titanate compositions used as dielectric coatings in telecommunications and small advanced electronics, such as cell phones, pagers and laptop computers. Niobium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Niobium has medical research applications. It is alloyed to produce arc-welding rods and in corrosion-resistant steel. Niobium was first discovered by Charles Hatchett in 1801. The word Niobium originates from Niobe, daughter of mythical Greek king Tantalus. See Niobium research below.