Here's why:
* Electron Configuration: Lithium has an electron configuration of 1s²2s¹.
* Valence Shell: The outermost shell (the 2s shell) contains only one electron.
* Bonding: Atoms tend to gain, lose, or share electrons to achieve a stable, full outer shell (like noble gases). Lithium will readily lose its single valence electron to form a +1 ion, achieving a stable electron configuration like helium (1s²).
