Lithium (Li): Properties, Uses and Facts in 3D
Lithium is element 3 on the periodic table, an alkali metal. At room temperature it is a solid. Open it in the 3D Periodic Table to spin its tile, see its electron shells and read its story.
Explore in 3DLithium quick facts
| Atomic number | 3 |
|---|---|
| Symbol | Li |
| Atomic mass | 6.94 |
| Category | Alkali Metal |
| Group and period | Group 1, period 2 |
| Block | s-block |
| State at room temperature | Solid |
| Electron configuration | [He] 2s¹ |
| Electrons per shell | 2, 1 |
| Discovered | 1817, Arfwedson |
What is lithium used for?
- Rechargeable batteries (phones, EVs)
- Bipolar disorder medication
- Lithium greases & lubricants
Interesting facts about lithium
- Lightest solid element. Floats on water and even on oil
- Lithium-ion batteries store more energy per gram than any other widely used rechargeable battery
- Named after the Greek word for stone (lithos), despite being lighter than many woods
Lithium was discovered in 1817 by Arfwedson in Sweden.
Where lithium sits on the periodic table
Lithium is in group 1, period 2. Tap any element to open its page.
Other alkali metals
Lithium questions
What is the atomic number of lithium?
Lithium has atomic number 3, so every lithium atom has 3 protons in its nucleus. Its symbol is Li and its atomic mass is 6.94.
Is lithium a metal?
Lithium is a metal. On the periodic table it is grouped as an alkali metal, found in group 1, period 2.
What is the electron configuration of lithium?
The electron configuration of lithium is [He] 2s¹. Its electrons sit in 2 shells: 2, 1.
What is lithium used for?
Lithium is used for rechargeable batteries (phones, evs), bipolar disorder medication and lithium greases & lubricants.
Who discovered lithium?
Lithium was discovered in 1817 by Arfwedson in Sweden.
The 3D Periodic Table is made by Julian Neagu, a solo founder in London, as part of VisionVix Simulators. It is free to use in the browser on desktop and phone, with no sign-up.