Question

Match the names of the elements described below \((a-f)\) with their elemental symbols \((1-6)\) (a) Sodium, a major component in table salt (b) Tungsten, a metal used in light bulb filaments (c) Strontium, used to produce brilliant red colors in fireworks (d) Titanium, used in artificial hips and knee-replacement joints (e) Fluorine, added to municipal water supplies to strengthen tooth enamel (f) Tin, a metal used in solder (1) \(\mathrm{W}\) (2) \(\mathrm{Na}\) (3) \(\mathrm{Sn}\) (4) F (5) Ti (6) \(\mathrm{Sr}\)

Short answer

(a) 2, (b) 1, (c) 6, (d) 5, (e) 4, (f) 3.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the element for Sodium

Sodium is represented by the symbol \( \mathrm{Na} \). Therefore, \( \mathrm{Na} \) corresponds to the description (a) Sodium, a major component in table salt.

Identify the element for Tungsten

Tungsten is represented by the symbol \( \mathrm{W} \). Thus, \( \mathrm{W} \) matches with the description (b) Tungsten, a metal used in light bulb filaments.

Identify the element for Strontium

Strontium is represented by the symbol \( \mathrm{Sr} \). Therefore, \( \mathrm{Sr} \) corresponds to (c) Strontium, used to produce brilliant red colors in fireworks.

Identify the element for Titanium

Titanium is represented by the symbol \( \mathrm{Ti} \). Therefore, \( \mathrm{Ti} \) matches the description of (d) Titanium, used in artificial hips and knee-replacement joints.

Identify the element for Fluorine

Fluorine is represented by the symbol \( \mathrm{F} \). Thus, \( \mathrm{F} \) fits the description (e) Fluorine, added to municipal water supplies to strengthen tooth enamel.

Identify the element for Tin

Tin is represented by the symbol \( \mathrm{Sn} \). Therefore, \( \mathrm{Sn} \) corresponds to (f) Tin, a metal used in solder.

Key concepts

Element Symbols

Element symbols are abbreviations used to represent chemical elements. They make it easier to refer to elements in a short and standardized form. Usually, these symbols are derived from the element's name, but sometimes they are based on their Latin or Greek names. Here are some key points about element symbols:

• Each element symbol is unique and consists of one or two letters. The first letter is always capitalized, while the second, if present, is lowercase.
• Most symbols are based on the English name, such as Oxygen (O) and Hydrogen (H). However, some are based on Latin names, like Sodium (Na) from 'Natrium' and Potassium (K) from 'Kalium'.

Understanding element symbols is crucial for reading chemical equations and studying chemistry.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a systematic arrangement of all known chemical elements. It organizes the elements based on their atomic number, electron configurations, and recurring chemical properties. It is an essential tool in chemistry for several reasons:

• It helps predict the properties of elements that have not yet been discovered or synthesized.
• Element positions can show trends in atomic size, electronegativity, ionization energy, and more.
• With groups (columns) and periods (rows), the table highlights elements with similar chemical behaviors sharing the same group.
• Elements like Sodium (Na), Tungsten (W), and Fluorine (F) are all found within specific sections on the periodic table, aiding in quick identification and comparison.

Overall, mastering the periodic table enables chemists to predict chemical reactions and synthesize new materials.

Chemical Elements Identification

Identifying chemical elements involves recognizing their symbols and understanding their properties and uses. Here are some strategies and tips for correctly identifying elements:

• Familiarize yourself with common element symbols and their corresponding names. Tools such as flashcards can help reinforce memory.
• Learn the significant uses of certain elements to aid identification. For example, knowing that Tungsten is used in light bulbs can help recall its symbol, W.
• Understanding the origin of element names can offer valuable clues. Latin or Greek derivations often explain why symbols don't match the English names, like Sodium (Na) for 'Natrium'.
• Practice applying knowledge in real-world contexts, like the exercise matching elements to their symbols based on their practical applications.

Effective identification requires both memorization and understanding of chemical concepts to build a solid foundation in chemistry.