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Year 8 Science: Critical Elements: Lithium

Lithium (Li)

Lithium (Li)

Lithium is the 3rd element in the periodic table and has a symbol of Li and atomic number of 3. It has an atomic weight of 6.940 and a mass number of 7. Lithium has three protons and four neutrons in its nucleus, and three electrons in two shells. It is located in group one, period two and block s of the periodic table. Socket silvery metal. First member of group 1 of the periodic table. Lithium salts are used in psychomedicine.

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Where does Lithium come from?

Lithium does not occur as the metal in nature, but is found combined in small amounts in nearly all igneous rocks and in the waters of many mineral springs. Spodumene, petalite, lepidolite, and amblygonite are the more important minerals containing lithium.

Most lithium is currently produced in Chile, from brines that yield lithium carbonate when treated with sodium carbonate. The metal is produced by the electrolysis of molten lithium chloride and potassium chloride.

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Lithium as a critical element

Uses of Lithium

The most important use of lithium is in rechargeable batteries for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles. Lithium is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys and clocks.

Lithium metal is made into alloys with aluminium and magnesium, improving their strength and making them lighter. A magnesium-lithium alloy is used for armour plating. Aluminium-lithium alloys are used in aircraft, bicycle frames and high-speed trains.

Lithium oxide is used in special glasses and glass ceramics. Lithium chloride is one of the most hygroscopic materials known, and is used in air conditioning and industrial drying systems (as is lithium bromide). Lithium stearate is used as an all-purpose and high-temperature lubricant. Lithium carbonate is used in drugs to treat manic depression, although its action on the brain is still not fully understood. Lithium hydride is used as a means of storing hydrogen for use as a fuel.

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Can Lithium be recycled?

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