Question

What is meant by the symbol of an element? Explain with examples.

Answer 1

• Symbol of an element is a one or two letter notation that is used for denoting the chemical element.
• Each element has its own particular symbol. For example, carbon is denoted by the symbol C, sodium by Na, Potassium by K, chlorine by Cl.
• The first letter of a symbol is always written as a capital letter (uppercase) and the second letter as a small letter (lowercase).
• Many of the symbols are the first one or two letters of the element’s name in English.
• Other symbols have been taken from the names of elements in Latin, German or Greek.
• For example, the symbol of iron is Fe from its Latin name Ferrum, sodium is Na from Natrium, potassium is K from Kalium