Question

For each of the following chemical symbols, give the name of the corresponding element. a. \(K\) b. \(G e\) c. \(P\) d. \(C\) e. \(\mathrm{N}\) f. \(\mathrm{Na}\) g. Ne h. I

Short answer

The corresponding elements for the given symbols are: a. Potassium b. Germanium c. Phosphorus d. Carbon e. Nitrogen f. Sodium g. Neon h. Iodine

Step-by-step solution

a. Identify the element for symbol K

The symbol K represents the element Potassium, which has an atomic number of 19.

b. Identify the element for symbol Ge

The symbol Ge represents the element Germanium, which has an atomic number of 32.

c. Identify the element for symbol P

The symbol P represents the element Phosphorus, which has an atomic number of 15.

d. Identify the element for symbol C

The symbol C represents the element Carbon, which has an atomic number of 6.

e. Identify the element for symbol N

The symbol N represents the element Nitrogen, which has an atomic number of 7.

f. Identify the element for symbol Na

The symbol Na represents the element Sodium, which has an atomic number of 11.

g. Identify the element for symbol Ne

The symbol Ne represents the element Neon, which has an atomic number of 10.

h. Identify the element for symbol I

The symbol I represents the element Iodine, which has an atomic number of 53.

Key concepts

Element Names

Chemical symbols are shorthand notations for the names of the elements. Each element has a unique symbol, usually consisting of one or two letters, which helps scientists communicate efficiently. The first letter of the chemical symbol is always capitalized while the second letter, if there is one, is lowercase. This system avoids confusion, as symbols provide a universal way of identifying elements, regardless of the language being spoken.

For instance:

• The symbol \( K \) stands for Potassium, despite its English spelling not reflecting the letter. It derives from the Latin 'kalium.'
• The symbol \( Na \) represents Sodium, coming from the Latin 'natrium.'

These examples show that historical, Latin, or common language roots often influence these symbols.

Understanding chemical symbols is crucial for identifying and working with elements, as they are foundational in both academic studies and practical applications in chemistry.

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a systematic way of organizing all known elements. It highlights the periodicity of element properties, displaying them in rows and columns. Each element in the periodic table is represented by its unique chemical symbol and is arranged according to increasing atomic number.

Key features of the periodic table include:

• Elements are arranged in rows called periods and columns known as groups or families. Elements in the same group usually exhibit similar chemical behaviors.
• The periodic table helps predict the properties of elements, their interactions, and compounds they might form.

The layout of the periodic table makes it simple to locate an element, understand its properties, and infer the characteristics of related elements. Its design has evolved to reflect the understanding of atomic structure and is indispensable in chemistry and other sciences.

Atomic Numbers

Atomic numbers are fundamental properties of elements found on the periodic table. They represent the number of protons present in the nucleus of an atom of an element. Since atoms are electrically neutral, the atomic number also equals the number of electrons surrounding the nucleus.

Let's explore why atomic numbers are important:

• They determine the identity of the element. For example, an atomic number of 6 will always mean the element is Carbon.
• The atomic number helps to order elements sequentially on the periodic table, from the lowest (Hydrogen, with an atomic number of 1) to the highest known.
• Chemical properties of an element are influenced by its atomic number because it dictates the arrangement of electrons in the element's electron shells.

Understanding atomic numbers provides insight into both the chemical and physical properties of elements, making it easier to study their reactions and compounds they create in combination with others.