5 Questions
What is the main purpose of an element's symbol?
To provide a shortened form of the element's name
Where are the names of elements often derived from?
The element's discoverer or location
What is the relationship between an element's symbol and its name?
The symbol is often a shortened form of the element's name
What is true about the capitalization of an element's symbol?
It is always capitalized
What is the origin of the symbol for Sodium?
From the Latin word for 'natrium'
Study Notes
Symbols and Names of Elements
Symbol of an Element
- A unique one- or two-letter abbreviation that represents an element
- Derived from the Latin or Greek name of the element
- Always capitalized
- Examples:
- H for Hydrogen
- C for Carbon
- Na for Sodium (from Latin "natrium")
Name of an Element
- A full descriptive name of an element
- Often derived from the element's properties, discoverer, or location
- Examples:
- Hydrogen (from Greek "hydro" meaning water and "gen" meaning producer)
- Carbon (from Latin "carbo" meaning coal)
- Sodium (from English "soda" and Latin "natrium" meaning sodium)
Correspondence between Symbol and Name
- Each symbol corresponds to a unique element name
- The symbol is often a shortened form of the element's name
- Examples:
- Symbol: H, Name: Hydrogen
- Symbol: C, Name: Carbon
- Symbol: Na, Name: Sodium
Learn about the symbols and names of elements.
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