Lead (Pb) VS Mercury (Hg)
A definitive side-by-side comparison of two essential element profiles.
VS
Main Differences
Lead (Pb) is an element in the post-transition metals category with an atomic number of 82. Mercury (Hg) is an element in the transition metals category with an atomic number of 80.
Mercury (Hg) is 1.2x denser than Lead (Pb). Furthermore, Lead (Pb) melts at a significantly higher temperature than Mercury (Hg) (a difference of 366.3 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Pb Lead (Pb) Naming History
The name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for the metal, ''lead''
Hg Mercury (Hg) Naming History
Mercury is named after the planet, Mercury.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Lead (Pb)
Mercury (Hg)
Category
Post-transition Metals
Transition Metals
Atomic Number
82
80
Symbol
Pb
Hg
Atomic Mass
207.2 u
200.592 u
Group
14
12
Period
6
6
Block
p-block
d-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
liquid
Density
11.34 g/cm³
13.534 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
327.462°C
−38.829°C
Melting Point (°F)
621.432°F
−37.892°F
Melting Point (K)
600.61 K
234.32 K
Boiling Point (°C)
1749°C
356.619°C
Boiling Point (°F)
3180°F
673.914°F
Boiling Point (K)
2022 K
629.88 K
Year Discovered:
Ancient
Ancient
CAS Number
7439-92-1
7439-97-6
Origin of Name:
The name comes from the Anglo-Saxon word for the metal, ''lead''
Mercury is named after the planet, Mercury.