The strength of the metallic lattice depends on the charge on the ions within Charge Density and Melting Point - What is Charge Density and Melting Analytical chemistry of the alkali metals, https://www.britannica.com/science/alkali-metal, The Royal Society - Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society - The alkali metals: 200 years of surprises, British Broadcasting Corporation - Alkali Metal, alkali metal - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up). Lithium helps reduce episodes of mania and lowers the risk of suicide in people with these conditions. 8.9: Physical Properties of Ionic Compounds - Chemistry LibreTexts One-to-one online tuition can be a great way to brush up on your Chemistry knowledge. Heres how to know when its needed and how it works. "Why is the melting point of NaCl higher than that of MgCl2?" It is used as a desiccant to dry fluxes of air. Get a Britannica Premium subscription and gain access to exclusive content. This ion has a greater charge than Li + and so forms stronger attractions. Lithium is the lightest metallic element. The same researchers, on extracting the alkalies from the mineral lepidolite, separated another solution, which yielded two spectral lines of red colour. The melting points of simple molecular compounds are often very low. Last medically reviewed on January 24, 2018. In chemistry, it can refer to the charge distribution of a particle, such as a molecule, atom, or ion, over its volume. Lithium was discovered by the Swedish chemist Johan August Arfwedson in 1817 while analyzing the mineral petalite. However, your doctor may still want to keep an eye on you while you recover. [7] The anhydrous salt can be regenerated by heating the hydrates. Learn how ricin poisoning occurs, the signs and symptoms of poisoning, and what to do if you're exposed.
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