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Chemical Symbols . Chemical Symbols. A chemical symbol is a letter or 2 that is used as an abbreviation for the name of an element. The periodic table of the elements shows the 118 known elements and their symbols. The Periodic Table of the Elements. Chemical Symbols.
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Chemical Symbols A chemical symbol is a letter or 2 that is used as an abbreviation for the name of an element. The periodic table of the elements shows the 118 known elements and their symbols.
Chemical Symbols Modern symbols usually are similar to an elements name. These are some exceptions: Sodium = Na (symbol based on the Latin name for sodium – Natrium) Mercury = Hg (from Greek name hydragyrum) Gold = Au (from Latin name Aurum)
Chemical Symbols Some symbols are represented by one letter (e.g. oxygen = O, carbon = C) Some symbols are represented by two letters (e.g. neon = Ne, calcium = Ca)
Chemical Symbols If you look at element 114, you will notice that it has 3 letters in it’s symbol - Uuq. This element has not been proven to be synthesized or sufficiently studied by chemists yet. Therefore, it has been assigned a temporary name and symbol. When it is fully studied, it will receive a permanent name and symbol with 1 or 2 letters.
Rules for Writing Chemical Symbols • The first letter of the symbol is ALWAYS capitalized. If there is a second letter, it is lowercase. • No elements have permanent symbols with more than 2 letters. • The chemical symbol represents ONE ATOM of the element.
Chemical Symbols Try this website to practise matching element names and symbols. Element Matching Game The Elements Song, by Tom Lehrer sing along if you like!