Question

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

Short answer

a. \(\mathrm{K}\) - Potassium b. Ge - Germanium c. P - Phosphorus d. C - Carbon e. \(\mathrm{N}\) - Nitrogen f. \(\mathrm{Na}\) - Sodium g. Ne - Neon h. I - Iodine

Step-by-step solution

Identify the names of the elements for each chemical symbol

Use periodic table to find the names of the elements corresponding to the given chemical symbols. a. \(\mathrm{K}\) is the chemical symbol for Potassium b. Ge is the chemical symbol for Germanium c. P is the chemical symbol for Phosphorus d. C is the chemical symbol for Carbon e. \(\mathrm{N}\) is the chemical symbol for Nitrogen f. \(\mathrm{Na}\) is the chemical symbol for Sodium g. Ne is the chemical symbol for Neon h. I is the chemical symbol for Iodine

Display the names of elements

Now that we have identified the elements corresponding to each chemical symbol, we can display the results. a. \(\mathrm{K}\) - Potassium b. Ge - Germanium c. P - Phosphorus d. C - Carbon e. \(\mathrm{N}\) - Nitrogen f. \(\mathrm{Na}\) - Sodium g. Ne - Neon h. I - Iodine

Key concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a master key in the world of chemistry, unlocking the relationships between all known chemical elements. It is organized in a way that showcases the elements' similarities and differences in properties and reactivity, allowing chemists and students alike to predict how these substances will behave in various situations.

Each element in the periodic table is represented by a unique symbol, typically the first one or two letters of its English or Latin name. For instance, hydrogen is designated as 'H', while the symbol for sodium is 'Na', from the Latin 'natrium'. The table is arranged into rows called 'periods' and columns known as 'groups' or 'families'.

When consulting the periodic table to find the names of elements based on their symbols, you would observe that elements in the same group often share similar chemical and physical properties. This characteristic was crucial when solving the exercise regarding the identification of elements from their chemical symbols.

Element Names

Element names are the commonly accepted ways in which we refer to the chemical substances that constitute all matter. Their names can be derived from a variety of sources, including mythology, geographical locations, a prominent scientist's name, or a physical property of the element itself.

For instance, 'K' refers to potassium, which comes from the word 'potash' ('potassium' in some languages), referring to an early method of obtaining potassium carbonate. Similarly, 'Na' stands for sodium, which is derived from the English word 'soda', signifying its historical use in making soda ash.

It's essential for students to be familiar with both the symbols and the names of elements because they often come across them in chemical equations and scientific discussions. This was highlighted in the exercise where multiple chemical symbols had to be matched with their corresponding element names.

Chemical Nomenclature

Chemical nomenclature is the systematic naming of chemical compounds and elements. This system ensures that each chemical substance has a unique name and, where necessary, a unique symbol that provides an international standard for communication. The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) provides the guidelines for these names and symbols.

Chemical symbols, such as 'C' for carbon and 'N' for nitrogen, are a form of shorthand in chemical nomenclature. The exercise demonstrates the importance of understanding these symbols for efficient communication in chemistry. They convey a wealth of information in a compact form and are used worldwide by scientists and educators.

Moreover, the use of a proper naming convention allows chemists to derive a compound's structure from its name and vice versa. Thus, mastering both the symbols and chemical nomenclature is fundamental for any student pursuing science, as it is the language by which they can share their findings with the global scientific community.