Silicon (Si) VS Germanium (Ge)
A definitive side-by-side comparison of two essential element profiles.
VS
Main Differences
Silicon (Si) is an element in the metalloids category with an atomic number of 14. Germanium (Ge) is an element in the metalloids category with an atomic number of 32.
Germanium (Ge) is 2.3x denser than Silicon (Si). Furthermore, Silicon (Si) melts at a significantly higher temperature than Germanium (Ge) (a difference of 475.6 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Silicon (Si) Naming History
The name Silicon is derived from the Latin 'silex' or 'silicis', meaning flint.
Germanium (Ge) Naming History
The name Germanium is derived from the Latin name for Germany, ''Germania''.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Silicon (Si)
Germanium (Ge)
Category
Metalloids
Metalloids
Atomic Number
14
32
Symbol
Si
Ge
Atomic Mass
28.085 u
72.63 u
Group
14
14
Period
3
4
Block
p-block
p-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
solid
Density
2.329 g/cm³
5.323 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
1414°C
938.25°C
Melting Point (°F)
2577°F
1720.85°F
Melting Point (K)
1687 K
1211.4 K
Boiling Point (°C)
3265°C
2833°C
Boiling Point (°F)
5909°F
5131°F
Boiling Point (K)
3538 K
3106 K
Year Discovered:
1824
1886
CAS Number
7440-21-3
7440-56-4
Origin of Name:
The name is derived from the Latin 'silex' or 'silicis', meaning flint.
The name is derived from the Latin name for Germany, ''Germania''.