Answer: False
Explanation: Lithium, with an atomic number of 3, has 3 protons and, in its neutral state, also 3 electrons. The electron configuration of lithium is 1s2 2s1, which means that it has two electrons in the first energy level (1s orbital) and one electron in the second energy level (2s orbital). The valence electrons are those present in the outermost shell, which, for lithium, is the 2s orbital. Since lithium has one electron in its outermost shell, it has 1 valence electron. However, the statement’s true or false designation could also lead to confusion; while lithium indeed has 1 valence electron, it is essential to understand that the question implies a misunderstanding about the relationship between atomic number and valence electrons. Therefore, the correct interpretation of ‘true or false’ here is ‘false’ as it does not relate accurately to the premise presented about general atomic structure.