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Lithium is a low density metal--it floats on water--and can be cut with a sharp knife (or spatula). Because of its reactivity in air, lithium is stored under oil.
See a video of a sample of lithium being cut in the lab
WIS Photographer
Lithium Li
Where is lithium used--or where does it impact our everyday lives?
Used in lithium ion batteries--a powerful, portable elelctricity supply
Symbol : Li At. # 3
State at room temperature : Solid
Density : 0.534 g/mL Floats on water!
Melting Point: 180.5 oC (356.9 oF)
Boiling Point: 1342 oC (2448 oF)
Reacts with air? With O2 forms monoxide 4Li + O2 --> 2Li2O
With N2 forms nitride 6Li + N2 --> 2Li3N
With water: forms lithium hydroxide + H2 gas 2Li + 2H2O --> 2LiOH+H2
Hazard: Highly flammable, gives off toxic fumes
Discovered: 1817 by Johann August Arfvedson in Stockholm, Sweden
Not found alone in nature, but in compounds such as lithium chloride
Electron configuration of the neutral atom: 2.1
Main Uses : for special glasses, lightest known metal, alloyed to reduce mass , ex.with Al, Cu, Mn, and Cd, high temperature lubricant (LiC18H35O2)-lithium grease
Common Compound: ionic Li2CO3
Li+ ion electron configuration : 2
Source: Lanl.gov
Researcher: Marcos Y-B
The Tesla car chassis on the left, has lithium ion batteries for the power supply--as does the Nissan Leaf below
Leaf
A medication is called lithium--but it is a compound of lithium, for example lithium carbonate which is a mediction against bipolar disorder.
Lithium is used in different alloys
Lithium grease
Lithium ion small appliance battery/power supply
WIS photographer
The National Fire Protectors association, NFPA, warning diamond on the bottle of lithium metal: 4 is the max number: red = flammability, blue = health, yellow = reactivity and white give special instructions--here the struckthough W means NO WATER
Fragments of metallic lithium about 1 cm (0.4 in) wide in a brown glass jar. The element is reactive with air so lithium is stored under water.