Why can lithm in and lose electrons?

Lithium can gain and lose electrons due to its position in the Periodic Table as an alkali metal. It has one electron in its outermost shell, which it can easily lose to achieve a stable electron configuration similar to that of noble gases. Conversely, under certain conditions, lithium can gain an electron to form a negative ion, although this is less common. This ability to both lose and gain electrons contributes to its reactivity and the formation of various chemical compounds.