What is the most common ion charge for lithium, Li?
A. +1
B. +2
C. -1
D. -2
Answer (2)
Lithium (Li) is an alkali metal in Group 1, which means it has one valence electron.
Lithium tends to lose this one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration.
Losing one electron results in a +1 charge, forming a Li+ ion.
Therefore, the most common ion charge for lithium is + 1 .
Explanation
Understanding Lithium's Position in the Periodic Table Lithium (Li) is an alkali metal, belonging to Group 1 of the periodic table. Elements in Group 1 have one valence electron, which they tend to lose to achieve a stable electron configuration, resembling that of the nearest noble gas.
Determining the Ion Charge When lithium loses one electron, it forms a positive ion (cation) with a charge of +1. This is because the number of protons in the nucleus remains the same (3 for lithium), while the number of electrons decreases by one (from 3 to 2). The resulting ion has a net charge of +1.
Conclusion Therefore, the most common ion charge for lithium is +1.
Examples
Understanding ion charges is crucial in various real-life applications. For example, in batteries, lithium ions (Li+) play a vital role in conducting electricity. The movement of Li+ ions between the anode and cathode enables the battery to function. Similarly, in biological systems, the concentration of ions like Li+ affects nerve impulses and muscle contractions. In the pharmaceutical industry, lithium compounds are used to treat mood disorders, where the Li+ ions affect neurotransmitter activity in the brain.
The most common ion charge for lithium (Li) is +1, as it has one valence electron that it loses to achieve stability. This forms a cation, Li⁺. Therefore, the correct answer is option A: +1.
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