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If you just say lithium, it's probable you are referring to an atom. Lithium however can form an ion, Li+ (where the + should be a superscript). Without knowing the context it is not possible to give a definitive answer.

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βˆ™ 9y ago
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βˆ™ 6mo ago

Lithium can exist as both an atom and an ion. As an atom, it has 3 protons and 3 electrons. When it loses one electron, it becomes a lithium ion with a charge of +1.

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βˆ™ 15y ago

By definition, it will always be an element, never a compound.

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βˆ™ 13y ago

It is an element No the correct answer is a compund, because compounds make up elements

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βˆ™ 12y ago

lithium is an element

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Q: Is lithium an atom or an ion?
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Why is the formation of a lithium ion from a lithium atom is an oxidation reaction?

The formation of a lithium ion from a lithium atom is considered an oxidation reaction because the lithium atom loses an electron during the process. Oxidation is the loss of electrons by a species, and in this case, the lithium atom goes from having 0 charge to +1 charge as it loses an electron to become a lithium ion.


What happens when a lithium ion reaches a cathode?

When a lithium ion reaches a cathode in a lithium-ion battery, it undergoes a chemical reaction that results in the release of energy. This energy is stored and can be used to power electronic devices or other applications.


What is the equation to show the formation of an ion of lithium from its atom?

The formation of a lithium ion (Li+) from a lithium atom involves the loss of one electron. The equation can be written as: Li -> Li+ + e- where an electron is removed from the lithium atom to form a lithium ion.


How many electrons are there in the lithium ion?

Lithium loses one electron when fulfilling the octet rule. A neutral atom of lithium will have the same number of electrons as protons, 3. Therefore, a lithium ion will have one less electron, 2.


What would it be called if a lithium atom had 2 electrons?

A lithium atom with 2 electrons would still be considered a lithium atom because the number of protons in the nucleus determines the element. However, it would be considered a lithium ion with a 2+ charge due to the loss of 1 electron.

Related questions

When a lithium atom forms a Li plus ion the lithium atom does what?

The lithium atom lose an electron.


Why is the formation of a lithium ion from a lithium atom is an oxidation reaction?

The formation of a lithium ion from a lithium atom is considered an oxidation reaction because the lithium atom loses an electron during the process. Oxidation is the loss of electrons by a species, and in this case, the lithium atom goes from having 0 charge to +1 charge as it loses an electron to become a lithium ion.


How many neutron are there in the lithium ion?

The lithium ion is essentially the same as the lithium atom, except it has lost 1 electrons. The number of protons and neutrons remain the same. Thus, the lithium ion, Li+ has 3 neutrons, just like the lithium atom.


What is the common use of a compound element lithium atom?

Generally, in Li-ion (or Lithium ion) batteries.


Is the number of protons the same in the atom or ion of lithium?

Yes, the number of protons in an atom and its ion of lithium is the same. Lithium always has 3 protons in its nucleus, regardless of whether it is in its neutral atom form (Li) or as an ion with a different number of electrons.


What happens when a lithium ion is attracted to a ion?

The lithium ion will be stripped of its electron by the flouride ion, resulting in an ionic bond, where the lithium atom will have 0 valence electrons and the fluoride ion will have 8


What happens to a lithium ion is attracted to a fluoride ion?

The lithium ion will be stripped of its electron by the flouride ion, resulting in an ionic bond, where the lithium atom will have 0 valence electrons and the fluoride ion will have 8


How many electrons are in Li ion?

A lithium ion (Li+) has one less electron than a neutral lithium atom. This means a lithium ion has 3 electrons.


Is a ion a type of lithium?

No an ion is not a type of Lithium. An ion is an atom or molecule where the total number of electrons is not equal to the total number of protons, giving it a positive or negative electrical charge. This does mean that you can have an ion OF Lithium which is positively or negatively charged.


How many ions does an lithium atom have?

A lithium atom typically has one ion, which is positively charged. This is because lithium has three protons and two electrons, resulting in a net positive charge when one electron is lost to form an ion.


What happens when a lithium ion reaches a cathode?

When a lithium ion reaches a cathode in a lithium-ion battery, it undergoes a chemical reaction that results in the release of energy. This energy is stored and can be used to power electronic devices or other applications.


What is the equation to show the formation of an ion of lithium from its atom?

The formation of a lithium ion (Li+) from a lithium atom involves the loss of one electron. The equation can be written as: Li -> Li+ + e- where an electron is removed from the lithium atom to form a lithium ion.