Lithium

Rachel F.

**Lithium (Li)** From the Greek //lithos//, meaning stone


 * Address:** Alkali Metals (1s22s1)
 * Atomic Number:** 3
 * Atomic Mass:** 6.941

My constant hope is to become stable, like the noble gas helium. In order to accomplish this, I strive to lose an electron and become a positive ion, or cation. I am looking for a job were I can help others become stronger, as well as gain worldwide fame for myself. I am a team player, and I am always willing to form compounds with other elements. My ideal position would be with carbon atoms, and this is where I am most commonly found. Together, we are Li2Co3, or lithium carbonate. We have gained recognition for our diversified uses, which are further explained in “Experience and Skills.” I was discovered in 1817 in Stockholm, Sweden, by a brilliant man named Johann August Arfvedson. I was named after the Greek word for stone, //lithos//, because I was discovered from a mineral rather than a plant. This mineral, petalite, was found by José Bonifácio in 1800. Many others have contributed to my history, such as William Thomas Brande and Sir Humphrey Davy. These two men were the first to isolate me in 1855, through the electrolysis of lithium oxide. I am not found free in nature, so my discovery was impressive. Soon after my discovery, I was put to work. I was used to stabilize moods, and today I am commonly prescribed to treat bipolar disorder and bipolar depression. I was first produced commercially by Metallgesellschaft AG in 1923.
 * Objective**

Over the course of my career, I have had many positions. However, I am most accredited for my work in batteries and medical treatments. Everyone loves my batteries, which can hold a charge longer than other types that use nickel. They are also more lightweight, and are less toxic than batteries using lead or cadmium. My batteries can handle hundreds of charge and discharge cycles, making them ideal for consumers. They can be used in things as small as watch batteries, or as large as military and space vehicles. In the medical world, my position has never changed. Since the 1800s, my talent at stabilizing moods has been harnessed. Still today, scientists and doctors are unsure of how exactly I do this. I have been proven to reduce suicide risk and prevent manic episodes for those suffering from bipolar disorder or depression. I am excellent at forming bonds with many elements. When I am bonded with fluorine, I am a part of the compound lithium fluoride. Together, we transmit ultraviolet radiation more effectively than any other known substance. We are used in specialized UV optics. Oxygen and I combine to form lithium oxide. We are used in the manufacturing of glass and ceramics. When I combine with carbon, we become lithium carbonate. We have a multitude of uses, including the ability to add strength to many objects. We are used in many well-known products, such as Pyrex cookware and black and white televisions. We are also widely used in the medical industry. When I am alloyed with aluminum, copper, manganese, or cadmium, I can be used to make lightweight metals for aircraft.
 * Honors and Awards**
 * Experience and Skills**

In my career, I have worked with many elements. Below are references from just a few of them.
 * References**

//Carbon// Throughout my career, lithium has always been a bright spot in my work. He and I form an outstanding compound, and we are always in constant demand. We are used across the board in countless industries, including the medical field. I could ask for nothing more in a bond, and I am always glad to form a compound with lithium. //Fluoride// My relationship with lithium is limited to our compound, lithium fluoride. We work with ultraviolet radiation, which is always exciting. When we are together, we bring out each other’s best aspects; this becomes apparent when one sees that we are more effective in transmitting UV waves than any other substance. It is always a pleasure to form bonds with lithium, as he has proven himself to be an excellent element for society. //Oxygen// When lithium and I team up, we are unstoppable. We are used as a strengthening agent in special ceramics and glass products. Very few people realize that our relationship goes back to lithium’s early years. When he was first isolated, it was from our compound, lithium oxide. Ever since, we have constantly been forming bonds and being out to use by society.

Brain, Marshall. “How Lithium-ion Batteries Work .” //HowStuffWorks//. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .
 * Citations**

Chakraburtty, Amal, MD. “Lithium for Bipolar Disorder .” //WebMD//. N.p., 22 July 2005. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .

Gagnon, Steve. “The Element Lithium.” //It’s Elemental//. Jefferson Lab, n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2009. .

Hotchkiss, Samuel W. “Lithium.” //Lithium//. N.p., 2001. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .

“Lithium.” //HowStuffWorks//. N.p., n.d. Web. 1 Dec. 2009. .