Lithium
Alkali Metal
Lithium (Li) is a chemical element with atomic number 3, classified as a alkali metal. At room temperature it is a solid. It was discovered in 1817 by Johan August Arfwedson.
Properties
- Atomic number
- 3
- Atomic mass
- 6.94 u
- Category
- Alkali Metal
- Group
- 1
- Period
- 2
- Block
- s-block
- Electron configuration
- [He] 2s¹
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 0.534 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 453.65 K (180.5 °C)
- Boiling point
- 1603 K (1329.8 °C)
- Electronegativity
- 0.98
- Atomic radius
- 167 pm
- Ionization energy
- 5.392 eV
- Discovery
- 1817 · Johan August Arfwedson
Common uses
Rechargeable batteries, mood stabilizing medication, ceramics
Did you know?
Lightest metal and can cut with a knife. Essential for modern electric vehicles.
Compounds you can make with lithium
Lithium appears in 2 compounds in our periodic table sandbox. Each one is a real substance with its true chemical formula — combine the right elements in the right ratio below to discover it.
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Li2O
Lithium Oxide
A white solid used in ceramics and as a component in some glasses.
-
LiH
Lithium Hydride
A lightweight compound used as a hydrogen store and in nuclear shielding.