Element 3
Lithium
Alkali metals
Lithium (Li) is in the s-block of the periodic table — group 1, period 2.
Lithium (from Greek:λίθος lithos, "stone") is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3.
Key data
- Atomic number
- 3
- Atomic mass
- 6.940 u
- Group / Period
- 1 / 2
- Block
- s-block
- Phase at STP
- Solid
- Density
- 0.534 g/cm³
- Melting point
- 180.5 °C
- Boiling point
- 1329.8 °C
- Electron configuration
- [He] 2s1
Periodic table block
Lithium is in the s-block (group 1, period 2). Elements land in the s-block when their highest-energy electrons fill an s subshell — this includes hydrogen, helium, and the reactive metals on the far left of the table.
New to this? Periodic table blocks explained: s, p, d, and f
Common uses
- •Rechargeable batteries
- •Mood-stabilizing medicine
- •Aerospace alloys
Discovery
Year: 1817
Discovered by: Johan August Arfwedson
Frequently asked questions
What is the atomic number of Lithium?
Lithium has atomic number 3. Its symbol is Li and its atomic mass is 6.94 u.
What category of element is Lithium?
Lithium is classified as alkali metals. It sits in group 1, period 2 of the periodic table.
What block of the periodic table is Lithium in?
Lithium is in the s-block (group 1, period 2). Its highest-energy electrons occupy the s subshell — you can see this in its electron configuration, [He] 2s1.
What is Lithium used for?
Common uses of Lithium include: Rechargeable batteries, Mood-stabilizing medicine, Aerospace alloys.
When was Lithium discovered?
Lithium was discovered in 1817 by Johan August Arfwedson.
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