| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Element Symbol | Li |
| Atomic Number | 3 |
| Atomic Mass | 6.94 u |
| Classification | Alkali Metal |
| Physical State | Solid (at STP) |
| Group | 1 (I A) |
| Period | 2 |
| Block | s-block |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Melting Point | 180.5°C |
| Boiling Point | 1342°C |
| Density | 0.534 g/cm³ |
| Color | Silvery-white |
| Hardness | Very soft |
| Crystal Structure | Body-centered cubic |
| Electrical Conductivity | High |
Lithium is the lightest metal and the third lightest element overall. It's incredibly reactive, soft enough to cut with a knife, and has the highest specific heat capacity of any solid element. Lithium floats on water but reacts violently with it, making it one of the most fascinating alkali metals.
Johan August Arfwedson (1792-1841): Swedish chemist who discovered lithium while analyzing the mineral petalite. He was only 25 years old when he made this groundbreaking discovery.
Robert Bunsen (1811-1899): German chemist who, along with Augustus Matthiessen, first isolated pure metallic lithium through electrolysis of lithium chloride.
The name "lithium" comes from the Greek word "lithos" meaning "stone," because it was first discovered in a mineral. Ironically, lithium is now known to be the lightest metal, making the "stone" connection quite poetic.
Lithium batteries power our modern world
Charging... High energy density, long life, lightweight
This section provides detailed interactive visualizations of lithium's electron behavior, metallic bonding, and conduction mechanisms essential for understanding its excellent electrical properties and battery applications.
Electron Sea Model: Lithium's single valence electron becomes delocalized, forming a "sea" of mobile electrons that enable excellent electrical conductivity.
Low Ionization Energy: Only 5.39 eV required to remove the valence electron, making lithium highly reactive and an excellent reducing agent.
Battery Applications: The ease of electron loss makes lithium ideal for battery anodes.
Room Temperature: Excellent conductivity due to mobile electrons
Low Temperature: Improved conductivity as thermal vibrations decrease
High Temperature: Increased resistance due to phonon scattering
Melting Point: Liquid lithium remains highly conductive
| Property | Value | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Conductivity (σ) | 1.06 × 10⁷ S/m | At 20°C |
| Resistivity (ρ) | 9.4 × 10⁻⁶ Ω·cm | At 20°C |
| Temperature Coefficient | +0.006 /°C | Resistance vs temp |
| Electron Mobility | ~40 cm²/V·s | Room temperature |
| Work Function | 2.39 eV | Photoelectric effect |
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Standard Potential | -3.04 V vs SHE |
| Electronegativity | 0.98 (Pauling scale) |
| First Ionization Energy | 5.39 eV |
| Ion Mobility (Li⁺) | 4.01 × 10⁻⁴ cm²/V·s |
Lithium is often called "white gold" because it's absolutely critical for the clean energy transition. Without lithium, there would be no electric vehicles, grid-scale energy storage, or truly portable electronics. It's the backbone of our sustainable energy future.