Li
Lithium is the lightest metal and the least dense solid element.
Physical Properties
| Atomic Mass | 6.94 u |
| Density | 0.534 g/cm³ |
| Melting Point | 453.69 K |
| Boiling Point | 1615.0 K |
| Appearance | Silvery-white metal |
| State at Room Temp | Solid |
Chemical Properties
| Electronegativity | 0.98 (Pauling) |
| 1st Ionization Energy | 520.2 kJ/mol |
| Electron Affinity | 59.6 kJ/mol |
| Oxidation States | +1 |
Atomic Properties
| Electron Configuration | [He] 2s1 |
| Atomic Radius | 152.0 pm |
| Covalent Radius | 128.0 pm |
| Van der Waals Radius | 182.0 pm |
Discovery
| Discovered By | Johan August Arfwedson |
| Discovery Year | 1817 |
| Location | Stockholm, Sweden |
| Named After | Greek 'lithos' meaning stone |
About Lithium
Lithium is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal that is so light it floats on water. It has the highest specific heat capacity of any solid element and is highly reactive. Lithium was discovered in the mineral petalite and does not occur freely in nature. It is widely distributed but always found in compounds.
Uses & Applications
Rechargeable batteries, ceramics, glass, lubricating greases, psychiatric medication for bipolar disorder, and nuclear fusion research.
Fun Fact
Lithium is so soft it can be cut with a kitchen knife, and so light it floats on water -- though it reacts vigorously with it.
Isotopes
| Mass Number | Abundance | Half-Life | Stable |
| 6 | 0.0759% | - | Yes |
| 7 | 0.9241% | - | Yes |
Electron Configuration
[He] 2s1