Li
Lithium
Atomic number: 3Mass: 6.94 uCategory: Alkali Metal
About Lithium
Lithium is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal. It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. Like all alkali metals, lithium is highly reactive and flammable.
Properties
Period
2
Group
1
Block
S
Category
Alkali Metal
Electronegativity
0.98 (Pauling)
Ionization Energy
520.2 kJ/mol
Melting Point
454 K (181°C)
Boiling Point
1603 K (1330°C)
Density
0.534 g/cm³
Oxidation States
+1
Electron Configuration
1s² 2s¹
[He] 2s¹
Shell 1:2e⁻
Shell 2:1e⁻
Real-World Uses
Rechargeable batteries
Psychiatric medication
Lubricating greases
Aircraft alloys
Nuclear reactors
Fun Fact
Lithium reacts so vigorously with water that it must be stored in mineral oil to prevent it from catching fire!