To find an element with properties most similar to lithium, we need to focus on its atomic structure, particularly the number of protons (which defines the element) and the number of electrons (which influences its chemical properties).
Lithium has:
- 3 protons (making it lithium)
- 4 neutrons
- 3 electrons
The most significant factor for similar chemical properties is the number of protons, as this defines the element itself.
Let's analyze the options:
-
An element with 10 protons, 12 neutrons, and 10 electrons.
- This element is not lithium (10 protons is neon).
-
An element with 11 protons, 11 neutrons, and 11 electrons.
- This element is sodium (Na), which is in the same group (alkali metals) as lithium (Li) and has similar properties.
-
An element with 12 protons, 12 neutrons, and 12 electrons.
- This element is magnesium (Mg), which is not similar to lithium.
-
An element with 4 protons, 4 neutrons, and 3 electrons.
- This element is beryllium (Be), which is not in the same group as lithium and has different chemical properties.
Considering the above options, the element with 11 protons, 11 neutrons, and 11 electrons (sodium) would have properties most similar to lithium, as it is in the same group of the periodic table (alkali metals).