Lithium (Li) — Element Properties, Uses & Facts
Overview
Lithium (from Greek:λίθος lithos, "stone") is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It is a soft, silver-white metal belonging to the alkali metal group of chemical elements. Under standard conditions it is the lightest metal and the least dense solid element.
Electron configuration
The electron configuration of Lithium is [He] 2s1, with electron shells of 2, 1.
Physical and chemical properties
Lithium is classified as a alkali metal. It has an atomic mass of 6.94 and exists as a solid at standard conditions, appearing as silvery-white.
Real-world uses of Lithium
Like other alkali metals, Lithium is highly reactive and is mainly studied and used in chemical research, battery technology, and specialized industrial compounds rather than in its pure metallic form.
Interesting facts about Lithium
- Lithium has the atomic number 3 and chemical symbol Li.
- It belongs to period 2, group 1 of the periodic table.
- Lithium was discovered by Johan August Arfwedson.
Explore Lithium interactively
Want to compare Lithium with other elements or see it highlighted on the full table? Open the interactive periodic table and click on Li to explore properties, trends, and neighboring elements. You can also test your knowledge with our periodic table quiz game.
What is Lithium used for?
Like other alkali metals, Lithium is highly reactive and is mainly studied and used in chemical research, battery technology, and specialized industrial compounds rather than in its pure metallic form.
What is the atomic number of Lithium?
The atomic number of Lithium is 3, meaning it has 3 protons in its nucleus.
What is the electron configuration of Lithium?
The electron configuration of Lithium is [He] 2s1.
Is Lithium a metal, nonmetal, or metalloid?
Lithium is classified as a alkali metal.