Here's what happens in terms of electrons when lithium reacts with oxygen:

The Reaction

Lithium (Li), a highly reactive alkali metal, readily reacts with oxygen (O₂) in the air to form lithium oxide (Li₂O).

Electron Transfer

1. Lithium's Tendency to Lose Electrons: Lithium has only one valence electron (electron in its outermost shell). It has a strong tendency to lose this electron to achieve a stable electron configuration like that of helium.

2. Oxygen's Tendency to Gain Electrons: Oxygen, on the other hand, has six valence electrons. It needs to gain two more electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration like that of neon.

3. Electron Transfer: When lithium reacts with oxygen, each lithium atom loses one electron, which is then accepted by an oxygen atom. Since oxygen needs two electrons, it takes one electron from each of two lithium atoms.

Formation of Ions

* Lithium Cations: Each lithium atom, having lost an electron, becomes a positively charged ion (Li⁺).

* Oxide Anions: Each oxygen atom, having gained two electrons, becomes a negatively charged ion (O^2-).

Formation of Lithium Oxide

These oppositely charged ions (Li⁺ and O^2-) attract each other through electrostatic forces, forming an ionic compound, lithium oxide (Li₂O).

The Chemical Equation:

The balanced chemical equation for the reaction is:

4 Li + O₂ → 2 Li₂O

Key Takeaway:

The reaction of lithium with oxygen involves the transfer of electrons from lithium atoms to oxygen atoms, forming ions and ultimately leading to the creation of the ionic compound lithium oxide.