Lithium

Definition

Lithium is a chemical element with the symbol Li and atomic number 3. It was one of the first elements synthesized in the Big Bang nucleosynthesis process.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lithium is one of the three lightest elements created during Big Bang nucleosynthesis, along with hydrogen and helium.
2. The amount of lithium predicted by Big Bang models is observed to be less than what is found in old stars, a discrepancy known as the 'lithium problem'.
3. Lithium has only one stable isotope, lithium-7, which makes up about 92.5% of naturally occurring lithium.
4. The abundance of lithium in the universe provides crucial evidence for validating cosmological models related to the early universe.
5. Lithium plays a key role in understanding stellar evolution and nucleosynthesis processes within stars.

Review Questions

• What role did lithium play during Big Bang nucleosynthesis?
• Why is there a discrepancy between predicted and observed amounts of lithium in old stars?
• How does the abundance of lithium help in validating cosmological models?

Related terms

Big Bang Nucleosynthesis: The process that took place within the first few minutes of the universe's existence, leading to the formation of light elements.

Atomic Number: The number of protons found in the nucleus of an atom, determining its position on the periodic table.

Stellar Evolution: The life cycle process through which a star undergoes changes from its formation to its eventual death.