Question

Write the chemical symbol for each of the following elements: (a) strontium (b) xenon (c) oxygen (d) zinc (e) fluorine (f) sodium (g) copper (h) nickel

Short answer

(a) Sr, (b) Xe, (c) O, (d) Zn, (e) F, (f) Na, (g) Cu, (h) Ni.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Chemical Symbols

Each chemical element is assigned a unique one or two-letter abbreviation known as a chemical symbol. These symbols are usually derived from their English names, but sometimes from their Latin names.

Identifying Chemical Symbols for Elements

We need to look up or recall the symbols for each of the elements listed, using the Periodic Table of Elements if necessary.

Write the Symbol for Strontium

Strontium is an alkaline earth metal. Its chemical symbol is Sr.

Write the Symbol for Xenon

Xenon is a noble gas. Its chemical symbol is Xe.

Write the Symbol for Oxygen

Oxygen is a diatomic nonmetal. Its chemical symbol is O.

Write the Symbol for Zinc

Zinc is a transition metal. Its chemical symbol is Zn.

Write the Symbol for Fluorine

Fluorine is a halogen. Its chemical symbol is F.

Write the Symbol for Sodium

Sodium is an alkali metal. Its chemical symbol comes from its Latin name 'Natrium', so it is Na.

Write the Symbol for Copper

Copper is a transition metal. Its symbol comes from the Latin 'Cuprum', hence it is Cu.

Write the Symbol for Nickel

Nickel is another transition metal. Its chemical symbol is Ni.

Compile the List of Symbols

Now we compile the list of symbols for each element: (a) Sr, (b) Xe, (c) O, (d) Zn, (e) F, (f) Na, (g) Cu, (h) Ni.

Key concepts

Chemical Elements

Chemical elements are the fundamental building blocks of matter. Each element is a substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. They are distinguished by the number of protons in their atomic nucleus, which is also known as the atomic number. This atomic number defines the element's identity and its position on the Periodic Table.
Understanding elements is crucial for chemistry, as they combine in various ways to form the vast array of substances we encounter in the world. The Periodic Table categorizes these elements into groups and periods, reflecting their properties and behaviors. Categories include metals, nonmetals, and metalloids; further subdivided into families such as halogens and noble gases.
The study of chemical elements provides insights into the interactions and properties of matter, making it an essential area of chemistry.

Chemical Symbols

Chemical symbols are short-form notations that represent chemical elements. Typically consisting of one or two letters, these symbols provide a universal shorthand for identifying elements. The first letter is always capitalized, while the second, if present, is lowercase.

• Sodium's symbol is Na, derived from its Latin name, Natrium.
• Oxygen is denoted as O.
• Copper's symbol is Cu, from its Latin name, Cuprum.

These symbols help chemists quickly and accurately describe chemical compositions and reactions. For instance, the formula for water, H₂O, concisely indicates it consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Symbols are assigned by IUPAC to ensure consistency across languages and scientific communities. Learning them is fundamental for engaging with chemistry studies and literature.

Latin Names

Some chemical elements have symbols based on their Latin names rather than their English names. This historical practice reflects the roots of modern chemistry in ancient alchemy and Latin-based scholarship.
Chemical symbols resulting from Latin origins include:

• Cu for Copper (from 'Cuprum')
• Na for Sodium (from 'Natrium')

These Latin-based symbols can sometimes surprise beginners, but they reveal the rich history and evolution of chemical nomenclature. For example, iron has the symbol Fe, derived from its Latin name Ferrum.
Recognizing these roots enhances understanding of why certain elements have seemingly non-intuitive symbols. It connects us to the historical context in which these elements were first studied and named.

Diatomic Nonmetal

Diatomic nonmetals are elements that naturally occur as molecules consisting of two atoms. These include elements like hydrogen (H₂), nitrogen (N₂), oxygen (O₂), fluorine (F₂), and chlorine (Cl₂).
These diatomic molecules form because the atoms achieve greater stability by sharing electrons in a covalent bond, often resulting in a molecule that is more stable than individual atoms on their own. Oxygen, for instance, as a diatomic nonmetal, is crucial for life and is involved in numerous chemical processes, such as respiration.
Understanding diatomic nonmetals is important, as their molecular form affects how they react and interact with other substances. These nonmetals are part of the larger group of elements that include other essential elements and compounds vital to both bio- and abiotic systems.