Lithium
LITH-i-em
Lithium (Li) is a silver-white colored metal that has the atomic number 3 in the periodic table. It is an Alkali Metal with the symbol Li and is located in Group 1 of the periodic table.
Lithium’s most common uses include in the creation of batteries and its use in medication. Lithium is a very reactive metal and unlike a lot of metals it can be cut with a knife. It reacts violently with water and if left out in air it will react with oxygen by the process of oxidation. Lithium very often has to be kept in oil for storage to prevent it reacting with moisture and oxygen in the air. Lithium is a metal in Group 1 of the period tables. It is a solid at room temperature and it has a melting point of 1330°c and a boiling point of 180°c. Lithium was discovered in 1817 by the Swedish scientist Johan August Arfvedson through his analysis of the mineral Petalite. As Lithium is so reactive it does not occur freely in nature, however it is found as an ore. In 1855, the British chemist Augustus Matthiessen managed to purify Lithium from Lithium Chloride. Lithium is a metal with the lowest known density and will easily float on water.
FAQ's
Johann Arfwedson
1817
Uses
Used in batteries. Also for certain kinds of glass and ceramics. Some is used in lubricants.
Sources
Obtained by passing electric charge through melted lithium chloride and from the silicate mineral called spodumene [LiAl(Si2O6)].
About the author
Nathan M
Nathan has a degree in BSc Biomedical Chemistry at Warwick University and a degree in PGCE Science at Wolverhampton University, UK. Nathan's subject matter ranges from general chemistry and organic chemistry. Nathan also created the curriculum on Breaking Atom in the course page.
Citation
Li
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