Moreover, the role of Lithium in decreasing the risk of bipolar depression is still debatable so that further research is needed before pharmaceutical companies can start manufacturing medicine containing Lithium. Even though doctors have not found the way how it really works, they suspect that the constant amount of lithium in the human body can affect kidney or thyroid function. Lithium is believed to have the ability to control mood swings and reduce the frequency of manic episodes in patients with bipolar disorder. You may also read: Chemicals in Cosmetics Earle patented lithium salts-based lubricant in 1942 in the US and thus, his product inspired many others to develop different kinds of Lithium lubricant. Lithium hydroxide or LiOH can be used to minimalize friction and many companies have produced several variants of lithium-based lubricant for automotive parts, metals and other platforms. Here are the common uses of Lithium in everyday life: Although Lithium is useful for the human body, excessive intake of Lithium is not recommended as this chemical element can cause diarrhea, nausea and tiredness due to its toxicity. Lithium can be easily found in fresh vegetables and grains. The coefficient of thermal expansion of Lithium is μm When a lithium metal is cut open and exposed to open air, the color will quickly turns grim. Lithium only has a valence electron like other alkali metals to form a cation. It was first discovered by Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson in 1817 when he analyzed mineral petalite (LiAl(Si2O5)2). While other alkali metals are commonly found in plant material, Lithium is found in mineral and in spring and ocean waters. Your browser does not support the audio element.Lithium has melting point of 180.50☌, the lowest among all metals but the highest compared to other alkali metals, and is highly reactive and possesses high flammability tendency similar to other alkali metals.
It was named by Johann Arfvedson (who also discovered it). Lithium comes from the Greek word "lithos" meaning "stone" or "rock". It was isolated in its pure form a year later by English chemist Humphry Davy. Lithium was first detected as an element by Swedish chemist Johann August Arfvedson in 1817 when he was analyzing petalite ore. Other applications include lubricating greases, high performance aircraft materials, and anti-depression drugs. Another major application is in the manufacture of ceramics and glass. Around 27% of lithium used for industry is used in batteries. Probably the one you are most familiar with is lithium batteries.
Lithium is used in a variety of applications.
However, it is found throughout the world in a variety of areas including seawater, mineral springs, and igneous rocks. However, it is less reactive and explosive than the other alkali metals.īecause it is so reactive, lithium is not found in its pure form in nature. It is flammable and can even explode when exposed to air and water. Lithium's single valence electron allows it to be a good conductor of electricity. It can cause burns if it comes into contact with the skin. It needs to be stored in mineral oil as it will react with air or water. It has the highest specific heat capacity of any solid element. It is the least dense of the solid elements and is the lightest of all the metals. Like all alkali metals it has a single valence electron that it readily gives up to form a cation or compound.Īt room temperature lithium is a soft metal that is silvery-white in color. Lithium is part of the alkali metal group and can be found in the first column of the periodic table right below hydrogen. Discovered by: Johann August Arfvedson in 1817.