Lithium (Li)
Lithium (Li, element 3) is an alkali metal in group 1, period 2. Atomic mass 6.941, electron configuration [He] 2s¹, uses and facts.
About Lithium
Lithium is an alkali metal with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a solid at room temperature, and it sits in group 1, period 2 of the periodic table. Lithium was discovered in 1817 by Johan August Arfwedson.
Lithium key facts
- Atomic number: 3
- Symbol: Li
- Atomic mass: 6.941 u
- Category: alkali metal
- Group: 1
- Period: 2
- State at room temperature: solid
- Electron configuration: [He] 2s¹
- Electronegativity (Pauling): 0.98
- Melting point: 453.69 K (180.54 °C)
- Boiling point: 1603 K (1329.85 °C)
- Density: 0.534 g/cm³
- Common oxidation states: +1
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of lithium is [He] 2s¹. The part in brackets is the noble gas core; the rest shows how the outer electrons fill their subshells. Lithium has 1 valence electron.
Uses of lithium
- Batteries
- Psychiatric medication
- Ceramics
Did you know?
Lightest solid metal, it floats on water AND oil.
Other elements in group 1 and neighbours
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of lithium?
The atomic number of lithium is 3, which means every lithium atom has 3 protons.
What is the electron configuration of lithium?
The electron configuration of lithium is [He] 2s¹.
What group and period is lithium in?
Lithium is an alkali metal in group 1, period 2.
What state is lithium at room temperature?
Lithium is a solid at room temperature.
What is lithium used for?
Lithium is used for batteries, psychiatric medication, ceramics.