Lithium (Li)

About Lithium

Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3, meaning every atom has 3 protons in its nucleus. It is classed as Alkali metal and is a solid at room temperature. Its atomic mass is about 6.94 atomic mass units (u).

On the periodic table, Lithium sits in group 1, period 2, which determines how many electron shells it has and how it tends to react with other elements.

Uses of Lithium

In daily life and industry, Lithium is used for Batteries for phones and electric cars. These uses are closely tied to the typical properties of elements in the Alkali metal category.

Electron Structure of Lithium

Using a simplified electron shell model (at most 2 electrons in the first shell, 8 in the second, 18 in the third, and so on), Lithium has 2 electron shells, with an approximate arrangement of 2, 1 electrons from the innermost shell to the outermost. This is a simplified learning model, not the full electron configuration that accounts for the s, p, d and f subshells.

Explore Other Elements

Want to see another element or try the element symbol quiz? Go back to the Interactive Periodic Table to explore all 118 chemical elements.

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