A neutral atom of lithium typically contains 3 protons, 4 neutrons, and 3 electrons. These fundamental subatomic particles define the element's identity and govern its chemical behavior.
Lithium (Li) is an alkali metal, recognized for its lightness and high reactivity. Its atomic structure is precisely determined by the count of its constituent particles:
- Protons: These positively charged particles reside in the atom's nucleus. The number of protons uniquely identifies an element and is known as its atomic number. For lithium, the atomic number is 3, meaning every lithium atom has 3 protons.
- Neutrons: Also found in the nucleus, neutrons are neutral (no charge) particles that contribute significantly to the atom's mass. While the number of protons is fixed for an element, the number of neutrons can vary, leading to different isotopes of the same element. The most abundant isotope of lithium is Lithium-7, which possesses 4 neutrons.
- Electrons: These negatively charged particles orbit the nucleus. In a neutral atom, the number of electrons is equal to the number of protons, ensuring that the atom has no net electrical charge. Therefore, a neutral lithium atom has 3 electrons. These valence electrons are crucial for lithium's chemical bonding and reactivity, often leading it to readily lose one electron to form a positive ion (Li⁺).
Atomic Composition of Lithium (Li)
The following table summarizes the exact count of each subatomic particle in a common lithium atom:
| Atomic Particle | Number in Lithium (Li) |
|---|---|
| Protons | 3 |
| Neutrons | 4 |
| Electrons | 3 |
Understanding these basic atomic properties is fundamental to comprehending how lithium interacts with other elements, its role in various chemical reactions, and its applications, such as in lithium-ion batteries, where its electron count is paramount to its function.
