Lithium (Li)
"The Recharger, a hero with immense energy, powering every device in the modern world."
A memorable persona to anchor Li in your mind.
0.534
Grams per cm³
180.5
Celsius (°C)
182
Radius (pm)
Daily Life Link
The rechargeable battery in your phone or laptop.
Discovery & History
Year Discovered
1817
Discovered By
Johan August Arfwedson
Origin of Name
"The name is derived from the Greek ''lithos'' meaning stone."
Technical Properties
Atomic Mass
6.94 u
Standard State
solid
Boiling Point
1342°C
Electron Configuration
[He] 2s1
1st Ionization Energy
5.392 eV
Electron Affinity
N/A
Oxidation States
"A soft, silvery-white, and very light metal."
Did You Know?
It is the lightest of all metals and is so low in density that it can float on water (before it reacts vigorously).
It is a key component in mood-stabilizing drugs used to treat bipolar disorder.
When it burns, it produces a striking crimson-red flame, which is why it's used in fireworks.
Despite being a metal, it is soft enough to be cut with a butter knife.