Question

Write the symbol for the following elements. (a) titanium (b) phosphorus (c) potassium (d) magnesium

Short answer

Answer: The symbols for the given elements are: (a) Ti, (b) P, (c) K, and (d) Mg.

Step-by-step solution

(a) Titanium#

Titanium is a chemical element with the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. So, the symbol for titanium is Ti.

(b) Phosphorus#

Phosphorus is a chemical element with the symbol P and atomic number 15. So, the symbol for phosphorus is P.

(c) Potassium#

Potassium is a chemical element with the symbol K and atomic number 19. So, the symbol for potassium is K. Note that the symbol for potassium is K, as it comes from its Latin name "kalium."

(d) Magnesium#

Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg and atomic number 12. So, the symbol for magnesium is Mg.

Key concepts

Chemical Elements

Chemical elements are the basic building blocks of all matter. They are pure substances that consist entirely of one type of atom. Each element has its own unique set of characteristics, such as its atomic number and chemical symbol. This makes it distinct from any other element.

There are currently 118 known elements. Some of these are naturally occurring, while others have been synthetically made in laboratories. Each element is represented by a symbol, usually one or two letters from its English or Latin name. For example, the symbol for Titanium is Ti, which is derived from its English name.

Understanding the basic properties of chemical elements is essential for studying chemistry and understanding the material world around us. They combine in various ways to form compounds, which are found in everything from the water we drink to the air we breathe.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a chart that organizes all known chemical elements by increasing atomic number. It groups elements with similar properties together in columns known as "groups" or "families."

Each element in the periodic table is placed in a specific location according to its atomic number, which increases from left to right and top to bottom. For instance, hydrogen, with an atomic number of 1, is placed at the top left corner of the table.

• The table has several periods (horizontal rows) and groups (vertical columns).
• Elements in the same group often have similar chemical properties because they have the same number of electrons in their outer shell.
• This organization helps scientists predict the properties of elements and how they might interact with other elements in chemical reactions.

By providing a visual representation of the elements and their properties, the periodic table serves as an essential tool for chemists and students alike.

Atomic Number

The atomic number of an element is the number of protons found in the nucleus of its atoms. It is a fundamental property that defines the identity of an element.

For example, the atomic number of titanium is 22, meaning every atom of titanium has 22 protons. Similarly, magnesium has an atomic number of 12, indicating 12 protons per atom. The atomic number also determines the element's position in the periodic table.

• It tells us how many electrons an atom has when it is electrically neutral, which is crucial for understanding its chemical behavior.
• The atomic number is unique to each element, making it a quick reference for identifying elements and differentiating them from one another.

Grasping the concept of atomic numbers is key to understanding the structure and classification of chemical elements.