Why the symbols of few elements, like sodium, do not start with the first letter of their English names? Give examples of a few similar elements.
[2 Marks]

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Solution

The symbols of few elements, like sodium, do not start with the first letter of their English names because their symbols are derived from their Latin names. [1 Mark]

Few other examples are-

Symbol of potassium (K) is derived from its Latin name 'Kalium'.

Symbol of mercury (Hg) is derived from its Latin name 'Hydrargyrum'. [1 Mark]

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Similar questions

Q. (a) Give two symbols which have been derived from the "English names" of the elements.
(b) Give two symbols which have been derived from the " Latin names" of the elements.

The scientist who proposed the first letter (or first letter and another letter) of the Latin or English name of an element as its symbol was:

Give two examples each of elements whose symbols are derived from the following.

the first letter of their name

Statement 1 (S1): Cobalt is represented by the symbol ‘CO’.
Statement 2 (S2): Symbols of few elements are represented by the first two letters of their English name.

Q. Which elements have symbols that do not correspond to their English names

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Why the symbols of few elements, like sodium, do not start with the first letter of their English names? Give examples of a few similar elements. [2 Marks]

Why the symbols of few elements, like sodium, do not start with the first letter of their English names? Give examples of a few similar elements.
[2 Marks]