Lithium – chemical element of a periodic system of D.I. Mendeleyev. Is a part of the first group of the main subgroup of the second period of the table of elements, its atomic number 3. It is alkaline and soft metal of light-silvery color with a density of 0.53 g/cm3. Proceeding from physical properties of lithium, it possesses the first place among the lightest metals of the planet.
Characteristic of lithium
Externally lithium is similar to usual ice, it also has a light-silvery shade. But its distinctive features are ease, softness and plasticity. Metal perfectly interacts with liquids and gases of the environment therefore in pure form it is not applied. As a rule, lithium is alloyed with other substances and metals, most often with sodium. Though lithium and the lightest metal in a periodic system, but at the same time it has the highest melting temperature among alkaline metals. Lithium melts at a temperature of 180 wasps.
Application
- Some alloys of lithium are used in the space industry and electronics. - Organic compounds of lithium are used in the food, textile and pharmaceutical industries. - At production of some types of glass this metal is also involved. - Fluoride of lithium is widely applied in optics. - One of the most useful inventions – the Li-ion battery, it supports operability of various gadgets thanks to properties of lithium. - By means of compounds of lithium make rocket fuel. - The pyrotechnic industry would not do without lithium nitrate.
In the pyrotechnic industry of lities it is used for creation of fireworks of red color.
Lithium - not a limit of ease of metals
Quite recently the scientific department of the University of California led by HRL laboratory invented new solid and extralight metal which received the name mikrolattis. Very light structure of new metal, whose metal lattice is similar to a usual sponge, it was in hundreds of times easier, than polyfoam. Though by sight new opening seems absolutely fragile, but having looked narrowly at it, it is possible to notice unusual property of metal to maintain just unreal loadings according to its index of weight.
The small piece of metal of a mikrolattis can be put on a dandelion top, and it will not even damage his cap.
Ease secrets
Secret is that recently discovered metal consists actually of air. Unlike the same lithium whose metal lattice at the microscopic level is constructed as though of massive beams, the lattice of a mikrolattis is put from a polymeric chain of hollow tubes thousands times thick smaller, than a hair of the person. Thanks to such qualities of new material, it can be used practically in all fields of activity of the person, since sound insulation and finishing with the space industry.