Lithium Facts for Kids

Lithium Periodic Table
  • Name: Lithium
  • Symbol: Li
  • Atomic Number: 3
  • Atomic Weight: 6.941 u
  • Period: 2
  • Group: 1

25 Lithium Facts for Kids

  1. Lithium is a chemical element on the periodic table.
  2. Lithium was discovered in 1817 by Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson.
  3. Lithium was first isolated in 1821 by English chemist William Thomas Brande via electrolysis of lithium oxide.
  4. Lithium is a soft alkali metal that has a silvery-white appearance.
  5. Lithium is a solid at room temperature.
  6. The symbol for lithium is Li.
  7. The atomic number for lithium is 3.
  8. The standard atomic weight for lithium is 6.941 u.
  9. Lithium is in the alkali metal element category on the periodic table.
  10. Lithium is a period 2 chemical element, which is the second row on the periodic table.
  11. Lithium is a group 1 chemical element, which is the lithium group.
  12. Lithium has two stable isotopes.
  13. The two stable lithium isotopes are 6Li and 7Li.
  14. The melting point for lithium is 356.90 °F (180.50 °C).
  15. The boiling point for lithium is 2,426 °F (1,330 °C).
  16. Lithium is the lightest metal on the periodic table.
  17. Lithium is the lightest solid element on the periodic table.
  18. Lithium is believed to be one of three chemical elements created during the Big Bang.
  19. Trace amounts of lithium are found in several different living organisms, but its role is unknown.
  20. The lithium compound lithium hydride is used in the fusion stage of a thermonuclear bomb.
  21. The lithium compound lithium oxide is used as a chemical cleaning agent when processing silica.
  22. Lithium is used to create batteries, like lithium batteries and lithium-ion batteries.
  23. Lithium is used to create lithium grease, which is the third most common grease used worldwide.
  24. Lithium compounds produce a bright red flame and are used to create fireworks, flares and other types of pyrotechnics.
  25. Lithium salts are used by doctors to treat people with bipolar disorder.

Additional Resources on Lithium

  • Lithium – Learn more about the chemical element lithium on the U.S. National Library of Medicine website.
  • Lithium (Li) – Discover more facts about lithium on the Royal Society of Chemistry website.
  • Lithium (Chemical Element) – Read more about the chemical element lithium on the Britannica website.
  • Lithium – Wikipedia – Find more facts about lithium and its history on the Wikipedia website.

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