Question

In this case, lithium would be classified as a(n)

Answer 1

Answer: C) ion.

Explanation:

An atom is the smallest entity of any matter which may or may not have independent existence.

Compound is a pure substance which is made from atoms of different elements combined together in a fixed ratio by mass.

Ion is formed by a neutral atom or loss or gain of electron. Loss of electron results into positively charged ion called as cation and gain of electron results in negatively charged ion called as anion.

Lithium is an atom with atomic number 3 and thus lose 1 electron to attain stable configuration.

$Li:3:1s622s^1$

$Li^+:2:1s^2$

Molecule can be formed by combination of similar elements or combination of different elements.

Answer 2

Lithium is to be considered as an ION

Atom is defined as its natural state where it will have all its electrons present in its shell

Since in this case Lithium is giving its electron so after giving the electron it will become an ion

Compound is the combination of two or more different atoms

Molecules is the combination of same type of atoms

So here answer must be

C) ion