Question

Write the name of the element for each symbol. a. He b. $\bar{\mathrm{P}}$ c. $\mathrm{Na}$ d. As e. $\mathrm{Ca}$ f. $\mathrm{Br}$ g. $\mathrm{Cd}$ h. $\mathrm{Si}$

Short answer

a. Helium, b. Phosphorus, c. Sodium, d. Arsenic, e. Calcium, f. Bromine, g. Cadmium, h. Silicon

Step-by-step solution

- Identify the element for He

He stands for Helium. Helium is a noble gas and is denoted by the symbol He in the periodic table.

- Identify the element for P

P stands for Phosphorus. It is a nonmetal and is denoted by the symbol P in the periodic table.

- Identify the element for Na

Na stands for Sodium. It is an alkali metal and is denoted by the symbol Na in the periodic table.

- Identify the element for As

As stands for Arsenic. It is a metalloid and is denoted by the symbol As in the periodic table.

- Identify the element for Ca

Ca stands for Calcium. It is an alkaline earth metal and is denoted by the symbol Ca in the periodic table.

- Identify the element for Br

Br stands for Bromine. It is a halogen and is denoted by the symbol Br in the periodic table.

- Identify the element for Cd

Cd stands for Cadmium. It is a transition metal and is denoted by the symbol Cd in the periodic table.

- Identify the element for Si

Si stands for Silicon. It is a metalloid and is denoted by the symbol Si in the periodic table.

Key concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of elements in rows and columns. This arrangement helps scientists quickly locate and identify elements. Each element is represented by a unique symbol, usually derived from its Latin name. The elements are arranged in order of increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom. For example, Helium (He) has 2 protons, Sodium (Na) has 11 protons, and so on. The periodic table is not just a random collection; it's organized in a way that elements with similar properties are grouped together. This grouping helps in predicting the properties of elements and their compounds. For example, Helium (He), which is a noble gas, can be found in Group 18 of the periodic table along with other noble gases like Neon (Ne) and Argon (Ar).

Element Identification

Identifying elements involves recognizing their unique symbols and corresponding names. These symbols often consist of one or two letters, with the first letter always capitalized. For example:

• He stands for Helium
• P stands for Phosphorus
• Na stands for Sodium
• As stands for Arsenic
• Ca stands for Calcium
• Br stands for Bromine
• Cd stands for Cadmium
• Si stands for Silicon

The symbols are universally recognized which makes it easy for scientists around the world to communicate. For instance, when a scientist in Japan writes Na, everyone knows it refers to Sodium. This universal system eliminates confusion and makes the study and application of chemistry more streamlined.

Element Classification

Elements are classified into different categories based on their properties. These categories are:

• Metals: Elements that are typically shiny, conductive, and malleable. For example, Sodium (Na).
• Nonmetals: Elements that are not conductive and not malleable. For example, Phosphorus (P).
• Metalloids: Elements that have properties in between metals and nonmetals. For example, Silicon (Si) and Arsenic (As).
• Noble Gases: Inert and non-reactive gases. For example, Helium (He).
• Alkali Metals: Highly reactive metals found in Group 1 of the periodic table. For example, Sodium (Na).
• Alkaline Earth Metals: Slightly less reactive metals than alkali metals, found in Group 2. For example, Calcium (Ca).
• Halogens: Very reactive nonmetals found in Group 17. For example, Bromine (Br).
• Transition Metals: Metals that have partially filled d orbitals. For example, Cadmium (Cd).

These classifications help in understanding the elements' behaviors, their interactions with other elements, and their roles in various chemical reactions.