Question

What is the chemical symbol for each of the following elements? (a) fluorine, (b) selenium, (c) nickel, (d) argon, (e) lithium, (f) phosphorus, (g) iodine, (h) gallium, (i) mercury, (j) manganese

Short answer

F, Se, Ni, Ar, Li, P, I, Ga, Hg, Mn

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Symbol for Fluorine

Using the periodic table, find the chemical symbol for the element fluorine. The chemical symbol for fluorine is 'F'.

Identify the Symbol for Selenium

Using the periodic table, find the chemical symbol for the element selenium. The chemical symbol for selenium is 'Se'.

Identify the Symbol for Nickel

Using the periodic table, find the chemical symbol for the element nickel. The chemical symbol for nickel is 'Ni'.

Identify the Symbol for Argon

Using the periodic table, find the chemical symbol for the element argon. The chemical symbol for argon is 'Ar'.

Identify the Symbol for Lithium

Using the periodic table, find the chemical symbol for the element lithium. The chemical symbol for lithium is 'Li'.

Identify the Symbol for Phosphorus

Using the periodic table, find the chemical symbol for the element phosphorus. The chemical symbol for phosphorus is 'P'.

Identify the Symbol for Iodine

Using the periodic table, find the chemical symbol for the element iodine. The chemical symbol for iodine is 'I'.

Identify the Symbol for Gallium

Using the periodic table, find the chemical symbol for the element gallium. The chemical symbol for gallium is 'Ga'.

Identify the Symbol for Mercury

Using the periodic table, find the chemical symbol for the element mercury. The chemical symbol for mercury is 'Hg'.

Identify the Symbol for Manganese

Using the periodic table, find the chemical symbol for the element manganese. The chemical symbol for manganese is 'Mn'.

Key concepts

Chemical Symbols

Understanding chemical symbols is fundamental to the study of chemistry and science in general. Each element on the periodic table is represented by a unique symbol, typically derived from its English or Latin name. For instance, the symbol for hydrogen is 'H', which is the first letter of its English name. However, some elements have symbols derived from their Latin names, like 'Na' for sodium, which comes from 'Natrium', the element's Latin name.

These symbols serve as a universal shorthand in chemical equations and formulas. Memorizing them can seem daunting, but with practice, they become second nature. A good strategy is to start with the most common elements and to regularly refer to the periodic table when you encounter a new symbol.

Element Identification

The art of identifying elements through their symbols takes a bit of sleuthing and familiarity with the periodic table. Most elements have one- or two-letter symbols for efficiency and ease of use in formulas and equations. The first letter is always capitalized, while a second (if present) is always lowercase, like 'Co' for cobalt and not 'CO' which stands for carbon monoxide, a compound.

When trying to identify an element, knowing the origin of its symbol can be helpful. A periodic table provides information not only about the symbol but also about the atomic number and sometimes the atomic weight of the element, offering a comprehensive snapshot of its characteristics. With consistent practice, the identification of elements by their symbols becomes intuitive.

Periodic Table Lookup

The periodic table is not just a tool for looking up chemical symbols; it is the roadmap to understanding the properties and relationships of the elements. To use it effectively, start by locating the element's name on the table. Directly above or next to the name will be the element's one- or two-letter symbol.

Moreover, a periodic table is structured so that elements with similar properties are grouped together in columns, known as groups or families. For example, the noble gases, which include argon (Ar), are all found in the rightmost column. With practice, using the periodic table for lookups during exercises will not only build your familiarity with the symbols but also deepen your understanding of the elements' physical and chemical properties.