Lithium

Lithium belongs to Group 1 of the periodic table which is commonly called the Alkali metals.

The element lithium is less dense than water, soft being able to be cut with a knife and very reactive. It is stored in liquid paraffin oil to prevent it from reacting.

When a small piece of lithium is placed in a beaker of water it reacts with the water producing hydrogen gas and lithium hydroxide. The hydrogen can be ignited with a match and lithium ions produce a deep red or crimson flame color.

The flame color for lithium salts is also red-crimson in color.

Lithium is extensively used in batteries. Lithium has a high electrically potential and produces a relatively high voltage compared to other batteries. Lithium metal has a low density which means that lithium batteries are relatively light. These properties make lithium batteries ideal for use in portable appliances such as laptop computers and digital and video cameras.