Question

Give the chemical symbol or name for each of the following elements, as appropriate: (a) rhenium, (b) tungsten, (c) caesium, (d) hydrogen, (e) indium, (f) As, \((\mathrm{g}) \mathrm{Xe},(\mathbf{h}) \mathrm{Kr},(\mathbf{i}) \mathrm{Te},\) (j) Ge.

Short answer

(a) Re, (b) W, (c) Cs, (d) H, (e) In, (f) Arsenic, (g) Xenon, (h) Krypton, (i) Tellurium, (j) Germanium.

Step-by-step solution

(a) Rhenium

To find the chemical symbol for rhenium, we can look into the periodic table. The chemical symbol for rhenium is Re.

(b) Tungsten

The chemical symbol for tungsten can also be found in the periodic table. The chemical symbol for tungsten is W.

(c) Caesium

The chemical symbol for caesium can be found in the periodic table. The chemical symbol for caesium is Cs.

(d) Hydrogen

The chemical symbol for hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table. The chemical symbol for hydrogen is H.

(e) Indium

The chemical symbol for indium can be found in the periodic table. The chemical symbol for indium is In.

(f) As

As is given in the form of a chemical symbol. We need to find the name of the element. As represents Arsenic.

(g) Xe

Xe is also given as a chemical symbol. We need to find the name of the element. Xe represents Xenon.

(h) Kr

Kr is given in the form of a chemical symbol. We need to find the name of the element. Kr represents Krypton.

(i) Te

Te is given in the form of a chemical symbol. We need to find the name of the element. Te represents Tellurium.

(j) Ge

Ge is given in the form of a chemical symbol. We need to find the name of the element. Ge represents Germanium.

Key concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a powerful tool in chemistry that organizes all known chemical elements. The elements are arranged in a grid-like structure according to their atomic number, electron configuration, and recurring chemical properties.
Mendeleev is credited with the initial version of the periodic table, and it has evolved to its current form over time. Each column, known as a group, contains elements that have similar chemical behaviors. New rows begin a period, and these add a new shell of electrons to the atoms as you move down the table.
The position of an element in the periodic table provides essential information about its reactivity, atomic size, ionization energy, and other chemical properties. This is why the periodic table is such a valuable resource for scientists and students working to understand material and chemical interactions.

Element Names

Each element on the periodic table has a unique name, usually derived from a variety of sources. These names often reflect the element's characteristics, the scientist who discovered it, or even the geographic location of its discovery.
For instance, rhenium (Re) is named after the Latin word for the Rhine, a river in Europe, while indium (In) is named due to its indigo-blue line in its spectrum. Element names help communicate specific information which chemical symbols alone may not convey, enhancing clarity in scientific discussion.
It's important to understand both the name and the symbol for each element, as this knowledge supports effective communication in the scientific community and beyond. Recognizing the element names alongside their symbols can greatly aid in studying chemical reactions and properties.

Chemical Elements

Chemical elements are pure substances composed of only one type of atom. They are the simplest chemical substances and cannot be broken down into simpler substances using chemical reactions.
Each chemical element is defined by its number of protons in the nucleus. This unique atomic number differentiates one element from another. For example, hydrogen has one proton, so it is the first element on the periodic table, while carbon has six protons.
Knowing the fundamentals of chemical elements is crucial for understanding chemical compounds and reactions. When elements combine, they form compounds with new properties, which are at the heart of chemistry as a science of transformation. This understanding allows us to harness chemical reactions for various practical applications.