The melting temperature of Li 180 degree C is much lower tha

The melting temperature of Li (180 degree C) is much lower than the melt temperature of its neighbor in the periodic table Be (1287 degree C). Explain this in terms of the differences in the electronic configuration of both atoms. Describe the influence of annealing on the strength and ductility in a common alloy.

Solution

As lithium has only one electron in the outer most shell compared to two for beryllium, the density of electrons in the electron sea is very less.

Hence the bounding forces are lower in lithium which resulted in its list melting point.