![]() ![]() Lithium is believed to be one of only three chemical elements produced in the Big Bang that formed the universe.The atomic mass is a weighted average that accounts for the natural isotope abundance of the element. He couldn't isolate a pure specimen, but did produce a lithium salt from petalite in 1817. Although the mineral looked like an ordinary gray rock, it flared red when thrown into a fire. Swedish chemist Johan August Arfvedson determined the mineral contained a previously unknown element. Lithium was discovered in the mineral petalite (LiAISi 4O 10). Brazilian naturalist and statesman, Jozé Bonifácio de Andralda e Silva found the stone on the Swedish isle Utö. The name for the element comes from the Greek word "lithos", which means "stone".It is corrosive and should not be handled without protective gear. Because the human body contains a lot of water, lithium will also burn skin.Don't try to extinguish a lithium fire with water as it will only make it worse! Lithium metal will burn in air and should be stored under kerosene or in an inert atmosphere, like argon. ![]() While lithium metal burns in water, it does not do so as vigorously as sodium or potassium. This is because the lithium valence electron is so close to the atomic nucleus. Yet, it is the least reactive metal in its element group. Lithium is the only alkali metal that reacts with nitrogen.It is a coolant in breeder reactors and a source of tritium when atomic number 3 is bombarded with neutrons. It's also used in glass and ceramics and to make high temperature lubricant grease. Among its uses, lithium is used in medications for bipolar disorder, to make lithium ion batteries, and to add a red color to fireworks.However, moist air quickly corrodes the metal, turning it dull gray and finally black. Freshly cut metal is silver-colored, with a metallic luster. Element number 3 is soft enough to cut with shears.Element number 3 has the highest melting point and boiling point of the alkali metals. It also has the highest specific heat capacity of a solid element. It is so light, it can even float on oil. This means it not only floats on water, but is only about half as dense as it. The density of the solid near room temperature is 0.534 g/cm 3. Lithium is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element at ordinary temperature and pressure. ![]()
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