Lithium | About The Element And The Following Uses
LITHIUM – In this topic, we are going to know and learn the element Lithium and some of its following uses.
It is a chemical element with the symbol Li, and the atomic number 3, hence, it is 3Li.
The element is a soft, silvery-white alkali metal. It is the lightest metal and the lightest solid element. Like all alkali metals, it is highly reactive and flammable, and must be stored in mineral oil.
The metal exhibits a metallic luster when cut but can be corroded by moist air, turning it into dull silvery gray, then black tarnish.
the metal never occurs freely in nature and can be found in compounds, such as pegmatitic minerals. The said minerals were once the main source of the metal.
Uses
Here are some of its uses, according to RSC:
- Its role in batteries
- It is the most important use since it is one of the important elements in rechargeable batteries, which ere currently in mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras and electric vehicles. It is also used in some non-rechargeable batteries for things like heart pacemakers, toys and clocks.
- Armour Plating
- The metal is made into alloys with aluminium and magnesium. This improves their strength and making them lighter. The alloy is then used for armour plating. Aluminium-lithium alloys are used in aircraft, bicycle frames and high-speed trains.
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