Question

Why is the chemical formula Li2H incorrect? Select the correct answer below: A. There should be one lithium, not two. B. There should be one lithium and two hydrogens. C. Lithium does not react with hydrogen. D. There should be three lithiums, not two.

Answer 1

Answer:

There should be one lithium, not two.

Explanation:

Lithium reacts with hydrogen at about 750°C to yield lithium hydride (LiH). LiH is white and powdery in appearance. It releases hydrogen gas when it reacts with water.

The correct formula for Lithium hydride is LiH and not Li2H because both lithium and hydrogen are univalent. Lithium has a valency of +1 while hydrogen has a valency of -1 in lithium hydride. Hydrides are formed between hydrogen and highly electro positive metals. In hydrides, hydrogen is forced to accept an electron from the highly electro positive metal.