Phosphorus (P) VS Sulfur (S)
A definitive side-by-side comparison of two essential element profiles.
VS
Main Differences
Phosphorus (P) is an element in the nonmetals category with an atomic number of 15. Sulfur (S) is an element in the nonmetals category with an atomic number of 16.
Sulfur (S) is 1.1x denser than Phosphorus (P). However, Sulfur (S) melts at a higher temperature than Phosphorus (P) (a difference of 71.1 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Phosphorus (P) Naming History
The name Phosphorus is derived from the Greek 'phosphoros', meaning bringer of light.
Sulfur (S) Naming History
The name is derived either from the Sanskrit 'sulvere', or the Latin 'sulfurium'.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Phosphorus (P)
Sulfur (S)
Category
Nonmetals
Nonmetals
Atomic Number
15
16
Symbol
P
S
Atomic Mass
30.974 u
32.06 u
Group
15
16
Period
3
3
Block
p-block
p-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
solid
Density
1.823 g/cm³
2.07 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
44.15°C
115.21°C
Melting Point (°F)
111.47°F
239.38°F
Melting Point (K)
317.3 K
388.36 K
Boiling Point (°C)
280.5°C
444.61°C
Boiling Point (°F)
536.9°F
832.3°F
Boiling Point (K)
553.7 K
717.8 K
Year Discovered:
1669
Ancient
CAS Number
7723-14-0
7704-34-9
Origin of Name:
The name is derived from the Greek 'phosphoros', meaning bringer of light.
The name is derived either from the Sanskrit 'sulvere', or the Latin 'sulfurium'.