Carbon (C) VS Silicon (Si)
A definitive side-by-side comparison of two essential element profiles.
VS
Main Differences
Carbon (C) is an element in the nonmetals category with an atomic number of 6. Silicon (Si) is an element in the metalloids category with an atomic number of 14.
Silicon (Si) is 1.0x denser than Carbon (C). Furthermore, Carbon (C) melts at a significantly higher temperature than Silicon (Si) (a difference of 2113.0 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Carbon (C) Naming History
The name Carbon is derived from the Latin ‘carbo’, charcoal
Silicon (Si) Naming History
The name Silicon is derived from the Latin 'silex' or 'silicis', meaning flint.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Carbon (C)
Silicon (Si)
Category
Nonmetals
Metalloids
Atomic Number
6
14
Symbol
C
Si
Atomic Mass
12.011 u
28.085 u
Group
14
14
Period
2
3
Block
p-block
p-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
solid
Density
2.267 g/cm³
2.329 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
Sublimes at 3825°C
1414°C
Melting Point (°F)
6917°F
2577°F
Melting Point (K)
3800 K
1687 K
Boiling Point (°C)
Sublimes at 3825°C
3265°C
Boiling Point (°F)
6917°F
5909°F
Boiling Point (K)
5100 K
3538 K
Year Discovered:
Ancient
1824
CAS Number
7440-44-0
7440-21-3
Origin of Name:
The name is derived from the Latin ‘carbo’, charcoal
The name is derived from the Latin 'silex' or 'silicis', meaning flint.