Lithium is the chemical element with an atomic number of three. It has several unique properties that make it useful in many applications. The following steps will show some of the more important uses of this very light metal organized by physical property. Read on to learn use lithium.
Instructions
1. Consider lithium's specific heat of 3582 joules/kg - Kelvin. This is the highest specific heat of any solid, making it the best choice in many heat-transfer applications, including nuclear reactors.
2. Look at lithium's electrochemical potential of -3.04 volts. This is an extremely high value and makes lithium an important anode material. Lithium is very light with a density .534 g/cm^3, making it especially useful in small batteries.
3. Research lithium's pharmaceutical effects to see that lithium salts, especially lithium carbonate (Li2CO3), are used as a mood stabilizer in the treatment of manic depression. These salts help to regulate the amount of active glutamate (a neurotransmitter), which is thought to affect the patient's mood.
4. Use lithium chloride and lithium bromide as desiccants (drying agents) because these compounds are extremely hygroscopic and absorb water readily. Lithium hydroxide (LiOH) absorbs carbon dioxide readily, making it especially useful on spacecraft and submarines. Lithium stearate (LiC18H35O2) is mixed with oil to make a common high-temperature lubricant.
5. Alloy lithium with other light metals such as aluminum and magnesium to make aircraft parts. Lithium is also mixed with ceramics and glasses such as telescope lenses to increase their strength.
6. Make optical resonance crystals with lithium niobate for use in telecommunications products such as mobile phones. Other technologically advanced applications include the use of lithium deuteride as a fusion fuel in hydrogen bombs.
Tags: especially useful, making especially, making especially useful, mixed with, specific heat, very light
