Question

Give the names of the metals that correspond to the following symbols: \(\mathrm{Sn}, \mathrm{Pt}, \mathrm{Hg}, \mathrm{Mg}, \mathrm{K}, \mathrm{Ag}\).

Short answer

The metals corresponding to the given symbols are: - \(\mathrm{Sn}\) represents Tin - \(\mathrm{Pt}\) represents Platinum - \(\mathrm{Hg}\) represents Mercury - \(\mathrm{Mg}\) represents Magnesium - \(\mathrm{K}\) represents Potassium - \(\mathrm{Ag}\) represents Silver

Step-by-step solution

Find each metal's symbol in the periodic table

Look for each of the given symbols in the periodic table. The symbols are: \(\mathrm{Sn}, \mathrm{Pt}, \mathrm{Hg}, \mathrm{Mg}, \mathrm{K}, \mathrm{Ag}\) Refer to a periodic table to find each element's name.

Note down the corresponding metal for each symbol

Once you have located each symbol in the periodic table, write down the full name of the metal: Sn: Tin Pt: Platinum Hg: Mercury Mg: Magnesium K: Potassium Ag: Silver

Write down the results

Now that we have found the names of the metals for each symbol, we can write down the answer: - \(\mathrm{Sn}\) represents Tin - \(\mathrm{Pt}\) represents Platinum - \(\mathrm{Hg}\) represents Mercury - \(\mathrm{Mg}\) represents Magnesium - \(\mathrm{K}\) represents Potassium - \(\mathrm{Ag}\) represents Silver

Key concepts

Element Symbols

Element symbols are the shorthand identifiers used on the periodic table to represent chemical elements. They consist of one or two letters, with the first letter always capitalized. This system facilitates quick communication and efficient scientific notation.
The symbols stem from the Latin names of the elements, which is why some of them might seem unusual for English speakers. For example,

• \( \mathrm{Sn} \) stands for Tin, derived from the Latin word "stannum."
• \( \mathrm{Pb} \) represents Lead, from "plumbum."

This Latin influence can be traced back to the origins of modern chemistry and historical alchemy practices. Understanding element symbols is crucial for reading and interpreting chemical equations and laboratory data efficiently.

Metal Names

The names of metals correspond to their element symbols from the periodic table, and they are significant both in everyday life and scientific contexts. Many metals have names deeply rooted in history and human usage. For instance:

• Platinum (\( \mathrm{Pt} \)) is among the most precious metals, often used in jewelry and industrial applications.
• Mercury (\( \mathrm{Hg} \)), also known as quicksilver, is a liquid metal formerly used in thermometers.

Identifying metals by their names and symbols is the first step in understanding their properties and uses. Metals such as Tin, Potassium, and Silver play vital roles in manufacturing, medicine, and technology.

Chemical Elements

Chemical elements are pure substances consisting of only one type of atom distinguished by their atomic number, which is the number of protons in their nuclei. The periodic table organizes these elements based on shared properties, helping scientists predict behavior and compounds.
Metals are a significant category of these elements:

• Silver (\( \mathrm{Ag} \)) is known for its conductivity and is used in electronics and currency.
• Magnesium (\( \mathrm{Mg} \)) is important in the human body and is utilized in construction for its strength and light weight.

Each element, whether metal, nonmetal, or metalloid, has unique characteristics and contributes to the complexity and diversity of materials and compounds found in nature and human-made products.