Question

anomolous properties of lithium​

Answer 1

1. high polarising power
2.it has small size of its atom and ions
3. it is much harder than alkali metals

Answer 2

Lithium is highly electropositive in nature which allows it to form covalent bonds. The polarization behavior of lithium ion is comparable to that of magnesium ion. Thus, lithium shows a diagonal relationship with magnesium. There are various reasons for diagonal relationship of lithium with magnesium. These reasons are as follows:

As one moves from top to bottom in a group, electropositive nature increases. But from left to right in a period, electropositive nature decreases. Due to this, similar properties are observed between diagonal elements.

From top to bottom in a group, size increases; due to this polarizing power decreases but moving left to right in period polarizing power increases, thus diagonal elements show similar properties.

Lithium is a strong element similar to magnesium.

Lithium and magnesium ion show comparable boiling and melting points.

Due to small size, the lithium atom has high ionization energy. It reacts with water, liquid bromine and forms a highly stable hydride unlike other alkali metals. Magnesium exhibits all these properties.