Question

Explain the rules followed to assign symbols for elements.

Answer 1

While writing the atomic symbol of an element following rules must be followed

(1) The first letter of the atomic symbol is written in capital letters, and the second letter of the symbol is written in lower case.

for example aluminum (Al), and copper (Cu).

(2) More than two letters are not allowed in an atomic symbol. For example, Hydrogen(H) has only 1 letter, and zinc(Zn) has only two letters.

(3) Atomic symbols of some elements do not start with the initial letter of their given name, their symbols are decided based on their Latin name for example sodium has a symbol (Na) it is not derived from sodium but is derived from its Latin name Natrium.