Atomic number 3
Lithium
Alkali metal
Quick facts
- Atomic mass
- 6.940
- Group
- 1
- Period
- 2
- State (STP)
- solid
- Electronegativity
- 0.98
- Common ox. states
- +1
Properties
Electron configuration
[He] 2s¹
- Ionization energy
- 520.2 kJ/mol
- Electron affinity
- 59.6 kJ/mol
- Melting point
- 453.65 K (180.5 °C)
- Boiling point
- 1603.00 K (1329.8 °C)
How it bonds
Lithium loses its single 2s electron almost without resistance to become Li⁺. It bonds ionically with halogens (LiF, LiCl) and oxide-formers (Li₂O), and even with hydrogen (LiH). Lithium is small enough that its "ionic" salts have noticeable covalent character — a recurring theme of period-2 metals.
Where you meet it
- Periodic Quest challengeunlock card