Lithium (Li) VS Potassium (K)
A definitive side-by-side comparison of two essential element profiles.
VS
Main Differences
Lithium (Li) is an element in the alkali metals category with an atomic number of 3. Potassium (K) is an element in the alkali metals category with an atomic number of 19.
Potassium (K) is 1.6x denser than Lithium (Li). Furthermore, Lithium (Li) melts at a significantly higher temperature than Potassium (K) (a difference of 117.1 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Li Lithium (Li) Naming History
The name Lithium is derived from the Greek ''lithos'' meaning stone.
K Potassium (K) Naming History
The name Potassium is derived from the English word ''potash''.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Lithium (Li)
Potassium (K)
Category
Alkali Metals
Alkali Metals
Atomic Number
3
19
Symbol
Li
K
Atomic Mass
6.94 u
39.098 u
Group
1
1
Period
2
4
Block
s-block
s-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
solid
Density
0.534 g/cm³
0.862 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
180.50°C
63.5°C
Melting Point (°F)
356.90°F
146.3°F
Melting Point (K)
453.65 K
336.53 K
Boiling Point (°C)
1342°C
759°C
Boiling Point (°F)
2448°F
1398°F
Boiling Point (K)
1615 K
1032 K
Year Discovered:
1817
1807
CAS Number
7439-93-2
07/09/7440
Origin of Name:
The name is derived from the Greek ''lithos'' meaning stone.
The name is derived from the English word ''potash''.