Question

Which is not the method used for creating the symbols of elements?

• A. Some symbols of elements were taken from names of elements in Latin, Greek or German
• B. Symbols of some elements were taken from names of places
• C. Some symbols of elements were taken from specific colours
• D. Symbols of some elements were taken from the letters of elements written in reverse order

Answer 1

The correct option is D Symbols of some elements were taken from the letters of elements written in reverse order

• Some symbols have been derived from Greek, Latin or German names of elements. For example, sodium (Na, from natrium), gold (Au, from aurum).
• Some symbols have been derived from place names. E.g. francium (Fr).
• Some symbol names have also been derived from colours of the elements. E.g. chlorine (Cl, from chloros, meaning yellow green).
  
• No symbol is taken from letters of elements in reverse order.