Lithium

Lithium is a soft, silver metal, and is the first member of the alkali group of metals. It is the lightest of all metals and, whilst resembling sodium chemically, it is less active. As is the case for other alkali group elements, it is obtained by the electrolysis of the fused halides. Lithium reacts slowly in water and in air where it eventually forms a black coating of oxide. This means that this metal tends to be stored under oil to prevent deterioration. Lithium is used as an alloying agent with aluminium and magnesium, and in the manufacture of batteries. Lithium and its compounds also find applications in the manufacture of glass and ceramics. In a nuclear fusion device, lithium is important as a source of tritium.

Symbol

Li

Discovered

1817 by J.A. Arfvedson in Stockholm, Sweden, and isolated by W.T. Brande in 1821.

Abundance

20 ppm of the Earth's crust.

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Atomic number	3		Clip
Atomic / Molecular Weight	6.941	gmol-1	Clip
Density	533	kgm-3	Clip
Crystal Structure	hcp / fcc at 74K then fcc / bcc at 140K		Clip
Lattice constant	351	fm	Clip
Melting Point	453.76	K	Clip
Boiling Point	1633	K	Clip
Specific heat capacity	3390	Jkg-1K-1	Clip
Thermal conductivity	86	Wm-1K-1	Clip
Bulk Modulus of Rigidity	11100000000	Nm-2	Clip
Electromotive Series	3.02	V	Clip

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See also: Berzelius, Jons Jakobs, Periodic Table, Tritium.