Question

Name the elements represented by (a) \(\mathrm{S}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Sc}\) (c) Se (d) \(\mathrm{Si}\) (e) \(\mathrm{Sr}\)

Short answer

Answer: The elements represented by the chemical symbols are Sulfur (S), Scandium (Sc), Selenium (Se), Silicon (Si), and Strontium (Sr).

Step-by-step solution

Identify element with symbol S

Look for the symbol S in the periodic table. The element with the symbol S is Sulfur.

Identify element with symbol Sc

Look for the symbol Sc in the periodic table. The element with the symbol Sc is Scandium.

Identify element with symbol Se

Look for the symbol Se in the periodic table. The element with the symbol Se is Selenium.

Identify element with symbol Si

Look for the symbol Si in the periodic table. The element with the symbol Si is Silicon.

Identify element with symbol Sr

Look for the symbol Sr in the periodic table. The element with the symbol Sr is Strontium.

Key concepts

Understanding the Periodic Table

The periodic table is a fundamental tool in chemistry, presenting a systematic arrangement of all known chemical elements. It organizes elements by increasing atomic number, which is the number of protons in the nucleus of an atom, and groups them by shared chemical properties. The layout of the periodic table provides valuable information such as the element's state at room temperature, its atomic mass, electron configuration, and much more.

The elements are placed into rows called periods and columns known as groups or families. Elements within the same group have similar chemical behaviors due to the number of valence electrons, which play a pivotal role in chemical reactions. By understanding how the periodic table is structured, students can predict the properties of elements and how they might interact with one another.

Element Identification

Identifying elements based on their chemical symbols is an essential skill in chemistry. A chemical symbol is a one or two-letter abbreviation derived from the element's name, often in Latin. For example, 'S' stands for sulfur and 'Fe' stands for iron, from its Latin name 'ferrum.'

Most of the elements have a symbol that corresponds to the first one or two letters of their English name, but with important exceptions that reflect historical and linguistic origins. To correctly identify an element, knowing these symbols and their origins is invaluable. Mastering these can be particularly helpful while writing chemical equations, understanding the periodic table, and in various laboratory settings.

Chemical Symbols

Chemical symbols are shorthand notations used to represent elements in the chemical formulas of compounds, the balancing of equations, and in describing chemical reactions. Each symbol typically consists of one capital letter or a capital letter followed by a lower-case letter, as dictated by IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) norms. For instance, 'C' represents carbon, while 'Co' represents cobalt. These notations are universally accepted and provide a consistent and simplified way of communicating complex chemical information.

Students should take care to learn these symbols as slight differences, such as the placement of a letter, can change the meaning entirely. Understanding chemical symbols is crucial for correct element identification and for the overall mastery of chemical language and reactions.