Question

What is the shorthand representation of an element?

• A. Symbol
• B. Short
• C. Version
• D. Other

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Symbol

A symbol is shorthand representation for the atom of a specific element. Each chemical element has its own unique symbol.

Each element is denoted by a symbol which is usually the first letter of its name in English or Latin. Example: 'O' is the symbolic representation of oxygen.

If more than one element has the same first letter then the symbol is denoted by two letters. The first letter is written in the capital while the second one is written in the small letter. Example:- 'Co' is the symbolic representation of cobalt, 'Ca' is the symbolic representation of calcium etc.