Lithium is the metal the lightest. In the periodic table of the elements, it is also the first alkaline.
General
- Symbol: Li
- Atomic number: 3
- Electrons per levelenergy : 2, 1
- Atomic mass: 6.941 u
- Most stable isotopes: 6Li stable with three neutrons (7.5%), 7Li stable with four neutrons (92.5%)
- Series: metal alkaline
- Group, period, block: 1, 2, s
- Density: 0.534
- Point of merger : 180.5°C
- Boiling point: 1.342°C
History of lithium
Lithium was discovered in 1817 by Johan August Arfwedson. This one made indeed the discovery of a new salt in minerals lepidotite, petalite and spodumene. The element was later isolated by William Thomas Brande and Humphry Davy. He was given the name of lithiumfrom the Greek lithos “, “stone”, because it was discovered in minerals.
Properties of lithium
the lithium metal is silvery white. It is a very reactive metal which reacts in particular withnitrogen. Its reaction with water is violent and dangerous. It is flammable. The temperature range where it is in the state liquid is exceptionally wide. This metal is moderately abundant in the Earth’s crustless than the nickel and the copper. Many of its properties physical and chemicals are more similar to those of earth metals alkaline than those of his own group. It is characterized by a specific heat and a thermal conductivity very high, a low viscosity as well as low density. Metallic lithium is soluble in short chain aliphatic amines, such as ethylamine. Moreover, it is insoluble with the hydrocarbons.
Use of lithium
As an alkaline, lithium has many apps industrial. It is for example used for polishing porcelain. In the alkaline batteries, it is used as an additive to extend the life of the battery. Some forms of welding also use it, such as gas welding. brass. It is also one of the main components of lithium ion batteries (anode), especially in electronics mobile.
In the field of health, lithium has long been used in the treatment of bipolar disorders. It is the reference treatment with which other mood stabilizers are compared. The Li-ion+ is the active ingredient lithium salts used but the precise mechanisms of action are still subject to debate.
Lithium and the environment
Metallic lithium reacts with nitrogen,oxygen and water vapor in theair. In this case, the lithium surface becomes a mixture of lithium hydroxide (LiOH), lithium carbonate (Li2CO3) and lithium nitride (Li3NOT). Lithium hydroxide presents a significant potential risk because it is an extremely corrosive compound which can be harmful in particular to aquatic organisms.
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