Lithium (Li) VS Sodium (Na)
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. Sodium (Na) is an element in the alkali metals category with an atomic number of 11.
Sodium (Na) is 1.8x denser than Lithium (Li). Furthermore, Lithium (Li) melts at a significantly higher temperature than Sodium (Na) (a difference of 82.8 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Li Lithium (Li) Naming History
The name Lithium is derived from the Greek ''lithos'' meaning stone.
Na Sodium (Na) Naming History
The name Sodium is derived from the English word ''soda''.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Lithium (Li)
Sodium (Na)
Category
Alkali Metals
Alkali Metals
Atomic Number
3
11
Symbol
Li
Na
Atomic Mass
6.94 u
22.99 u
Group
1
1
Period
2
3
Block
s-block
s-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
solid
Density
0.534 g/cm³
0.971 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
180.50°C
97.794°C
Melting Point (°F)
356.90°F
208.029°F
Melting Point (K)
453.65 K
370.87 K
Boiling Point (°C)
1342°C
882.940°C
Boiling Point (°F)
2448°F
1621.292°F
Boiling Point (K)
1615 K
1156 K
Year Discovered:
1817
1807
CAS Number
7439-93-2
7440-23-5
Origin of Name:
The name is derived from the Greek ''lithos'' meaning stone.
The name is derived from the English word ''soda''.