Sodium (Na) VS Potassium (K)
A definitive side-by-side comparison of two essential element profiles.
VS
Main Differences
Sodium (Na) is an element in the alkali metals category with an atomic number of 11. Potassium (K) is an element in the alkali metals category with an atomic number of 19.
Sodium (Na) is 1.1x denser than Potassium (K). Furthermore, Sodium (Na) melts at a significantly higher temperature than Potassium (K) (a difference of 34.3 Kelvin).
Where do the names come from?
Na Sodium (Na) Naming History
The name Sodium is derived from the English word ''soda''.
K Potassium (K) Naming History
The name Potassium is derived from the English word ''potash''.
Related Comparisons
Compare
Sodium (Na)
Potassium (K)
Category
Alkali Metals
Alkali Metals
Atomic Number
11
19
Symbol
Na
K
Atomic Mass
22.99 u
39.098 u
Group
1
1
Period
3
4
Block
s-block
s-block
Standard State (at 20°C)
solid
solid
Density
0.971 g/cm³
0.862 g/cm³
Melting Point (°C)
97.794°C
63.5°C
Melting Point (°F)
208.029°F
146.3°F
Melting Point (K)
370.87 K
336.53 K
Boiling Point (°C)
882.940°C
759°C
Boiling Point (°F)
1621.292°F
1398°F
Boiling Point (K)
1156 K
1032 K
Year Discovered:
1807
1807
CAS Number
7440-23-5
07/09/7440
Origin of Name:
The name is derived from the English word ''soda''.
The name is derived from the English word ''potash''.