🔹 Basic Information

• Element Name: Lithium
• Discovered By: Johan August Arfwedson
• Year of Discovery: 1817
• Category: Alkali Metal
• Group: 1 (Group IA – Alkali Metals)
• State at Room Temperature: Solid (soft, silvery-white metal) ⚪

Lithium is a light, soft, and highly reactive metal. It belongs to the alkali metals, which are known for reacting strongly with water and air. Lithium is the lightest metal and one of the most important elements in modern technology!

🔸 Chemical Properties

• Chemical Symbol: Li
• Atomic Number: 3
• Atomic Mass: ~6.94 u
• Valency: 1
• Electronic Configuration: 1s² 2s¹

Lithium has one electron in its outer shell, making it highly reactive. It easily forms lithium compounds like lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃), which are used in batteries and medicine.

📘 Basic Things to Know

Lithium is never found free in nature due to its reactivity. Instead, it’s found in minerals and brine lakes. 🌊

Despite being a metal, lithium is so soft you can cut it with a knife — and it floats on water! It reacts quickly, especially with water, producing hydrogen gas and heat. 💥

🤔 Interesting Facts

• Lithium is the lightest metal and the least dense solid element. 🪶
• It’s used in rechargeable batteries for phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. 🔋🚗
• Lithium salts are used as mood stabilizers in medicine (to treat bipolar disorder). 🧠
• It burns with a bright crimson-red flame, useful in fireworks and flares. 🎆
• The name “lithium” comes from the Greek word “lithos,” meaning stone — because it was first found in rocks.

🔧 Common Uses

• Rechargeable Batteries: Used in phones, laptops, electric cars, and power tools. 📱🔋
• Aerospace: Lightweight lithium alloys are used in aircraft and space tech. ✈️🚀
• Medicine: Lithium compounds help treat mental health conditions like bipolar disorder. 💊
• Glass & Ceramics: Added to make materials more heat-resistant. 🍶🔥
• Lubricants: Used in high-performance greases and oils.

📚 Conclusion

Lithium may be small and light, but it plays a huge role in the modern world. From powering devices to supporting mental health, lithium is a perfect example of how chemistry is changing the future. For students, it’s a cool intro to how science meets technology and medicine. 🔬🌍