3Li6.94
Lithium
Alkali metalsSoft, very reactive metals with one outer electron. They react with water to make alkaline solutions.
[He] 2s¹
- Atomic number
- 3
- Atomic mass
- 6.94
- Protons
- 3
- Neutrons
- 4 (most common)
- Electrons
- 3
- Shells
- 2, 1
- State at 25 °C
- Solid
- Position
- Group 1, period 2
Proton (+)Neutron (0)Electron (−)
Discovered byJohan August Arfwedson, 1817Johan August Arfwedson: 1 element
Arfwedson found lithium while analysing a mineral from a Swedish island. Its name comes from the Greek lithos, meaning stone.
Did you know?
- It is the lightest metal and soft enough to cut with a knife.
- It is so light it can float on oil.
Where it's found
- Minerals like spodumene
- Salt flats and brine lakes
What it's used for
- Rechargeable phone and car batteries
- Heat-resistant glass and ceramics
- Some medicines
Try it
Lithium's red flameVirtual lab only
- 1Hold a lithium salt in a flame in the virtual lab.
What you'll see: The flame turns bright crimson red.