What is the valency of Lithium?
1
Lithium Valency Explained
The question asks for the valency of the element Lithium (Li).
Understanding Lithium's Atomic Structure
Lithium is an element found in the first group (alkali metals) of the periodic table. Its atomic number is 3.
- Atomic Number: 3
- Symbol: Li
- Electron Configuration: The arrangement of electrons in Lithium's shells is $1s^2 2s^1$. This means it has 2 electrons in the first shell and 1 electron in the second (outermost) shell.
Determining Lithium's Valency
Valency is determined by the number of electrons in the outermost shell (valence electrons) that an atom can lose, gain, or share to achieve a stable electron configuration, often resembling a noble gas.
- Lithium has 1 valence electron in its outermost shell ($2s^1$).
- To achieve stability, Lithium tends to lose this single valence electron.
- By losing 1 electron, Lithium forms a positively charged ion ($Li^+$) with a stable electron configuration like Helium ($1s^2$).
- The number of electrons lost or gained determines the valency.
Conclusion on Lithium's Valency
Since Lithium readily loses its one valence electron to form a stable ion, its valency is 1.
Important Questions from Classification of Elements and Periodicity in Properties
The maximum number of electrons that can be accommodated in the outermost orbit is _______.
If the atomic size increases, the nonmetallic character will
State the electronic configuration of Argon.
The ore of aluminium ‘bauxite’ is:
What is the correct chemical formula for Propanenitrile?
