Lithium (Li) possesses a single valence electron. A valence electron is outlined as an electron discovered within the outermost electron shell of an atom and determines the chemical properties of the factor. As a result of lithium is within the first group of the periodic desk, often known as the alkali metals, it conforms to the attribute of those parts, which is having one valence electron.
The presence of just one valence electron explains lithium’s excessive reactivity and its tendency to readily lose this electron to type a optimistic ion (Li+). This attribute is prime to lithium’s position in numerous chemical reactions and its purposes, comparable to in batteries and prescribed drugs. Understanding the valence electron configuration of parts like lithium is essential in predicting their conduct and purposes in numerous scientific and technological fields.