Question

Chemical symbol of an element can be derived from its names

• A. first letter
• B. first two letters
• C. Latin names
• D. either of A,B, or C

Answer 1

The correct option is D

either of A,B, or C

Explanation for correct option:

• A symbol is a short form that stands for an atom of a specific element.
• Each element has a specific symbol for example C stands for carbon.

Rules for giving symbols to elements

• Each element is denoted by the symbol which is usually the first letter of their English or Latin name. (Commonly non-metals). For example, Nitrogen-N, Oxygen-O
• When the first letter of two elements is the same then the next letter is used. The first letter is in upper case and the second in lower case. For example, Cobalt-Co, Calcium-Ca.
• When the first two letter of two elements is the same then the next prominent letter is used. For example, Magnesium-Mg, Manganese-Mn
• Some symbols are based on Latin or German or Greek names. For example, Potassium-K(kalium)

Thus according to the rules all three options (A),(B), and (C) are correct. Hence the correct answer is (D) either (A),(B), or (C).