Lithium -- by Andrew L.

Why is this element important in everyday life?

Lithium is used in everyday life in a few ways: It is used in heat transfer applications, as an alloying agent, synthesis of organic compounds, nuclear applications, battery anode material, special glasses and ceramics, lithium stearate is an all-purpose and high-temperature lubricant, lithium compounds are use in dry cell and storage batteries, industrial drying system and sometimes, lithium-base compounds such as lithium carbonate (Li₂CO₃) are used as drugs to treat manic-depressive disorders.

Where is this element found in nature?

Lithium is too active to occur in its elemental for in nature, but is found in small amounts in all igneous rocks and in some mineral springs. Lithium is recovered from salts found in Brine Lake in California and Nevada.

What are the properties of the element?

General Characteristics =

Lithium is a metal. It is a low density solid that is about half as dense as waters. Freshly cut Lithium is silvery, but tarnishes in about a minute in the air and gets a gray surface.

Atomic Symbol =Li

Period Number =2

Group Number and Family Name =1, Alkali Metals

Atomic Number =3

Atomic Mass =6.941

Density =0.53g/cm³

Melting Point =180.6 degrees C

Boiling Point =1342 degrees C

Electron Configuration =1s²2s¹

Shorthand Notation =[He]2s¹

Common Reactions =Reacts with water and the air

Interesting Information = Lithium has the lowest density of any nongaseous element. It is the lightest metal. It also gives an unforgettable crimson or carmine flame test. It also has the highest specific heat of any solid element (0.83 cal/g degrees C)

Who is Mr. Li. ?

Mr. Li had been dreaming of going scuba diving ever since he was but a young element. He had finally gotten his chance after many years. After getting his scuba gear on he set out on his boat. When he jumped in the water started to react to the water violently. He was able to get back into his boat, but he had lost many of his atoms. He went to the hospital in order to fix himself up. The hospital had a hard time finding some Lithium to fix him up because since they couldn't find it naturally occurring in nature they had to get small amounts that were in the igneous rocks. After he was fixed up he went back to his Alkali Family. He went to sleep in his kerosene bed so he wouldn't react to the air while he slept.

The next day he went out, but this time he made sure he had a dry suit on so he wouldn't react with the water. When he got in the water he couldn't get under the water. He then remembered that he has the lowest density of any nongaseous element. He realized that his density of .53g/cm³ was only about half that of water's density. He was able to find a battery that he could go inside that would take him down into the lake. This battery would also keep him dry since it was a dry cell battery. Unfortunately the battery started to leak while he was under the water. As the water poured in he started reacting with the water and his life started flashing before his eyes: Anderson finding him as an orphan in 1817 and as a child being used as a grease on bearings. His body was later found in the Brine Lake in California.