Lithium is a soft, silver-white metal with the atomic number 3 and the symbol Li. It is a member of the alkali metal group and is the lightest of all metals. Lithium has a very low density and is highly reactive, which makes it a useful element in many applications. It was first discovered in 1817 by Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson.

Atomic Number3
Electron Configuration1s^2 2s^1
Electrons Per Shell2-1

Crystal Structure: Body-Centered Cubic (BCC)

Space Group Number: 229

abc
3.51 Å3.51 Å3.51 Å
\pmb{\alpha}\pmb{\beta}\pmb{\gamma}
\frac{\pi}{2}\frac{\pi}{2}\frac{\pi}{2}

Lithium is an important element in the production of rechargeable batteries, particularly for use in electric vehicles and portable electronic devices such as smartphones and laptops. It is also used in the production of glass and ceramics, as well as in some pharmaceuticals and as a mood stabilizer in psychiatric medication.

Lithium crystal structure visualized using VESTA. Ball-and-stick model. Unit cell boxed in black lines.
Lithium crystal structure visualized using VESTA. Ball-and-stick model. Unit cell boxed in black lines.

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