A neutral lithium atom contains three electrons.
Lithium (Li) is an element with an atomic number of 3. The atomic number of an element defines the number of protons in its nucleus.
In a neutral atom, the number of protons is equal to the number of electrons. Therefore, a neutral lithium atom, which has 3 protons, must also have 3 electrons to maintain electrical neutrality. This balance of positive (protons) and negative (electrons) charges ensures the atom is electrically neutral, without a net electrical charge.
The electrons are arranged around the nucleus in specific energy levels or shells. Lithium's electron configuration is 1s² 2s¹, meaning it has two electrons in its innermost shell (1s) and one electron in its outer shell (2s). It's the outermost electron that participates in chemical bonding and determines lithium's reactivity.
