Chemistry
Explain the term 'symbol'. State a reason why the symbol of calcium is 'Ca' & of copper is 'Cu'.
Answer
Symbol — An atom of any element is denoted by a symbol. It is the short form or abbreviated name of the element. It represents
- a specific element or one atom of an element. e.g. 'H' represents one atom of the element hydrogen.
- the weight of the element equal to its atomic weight.
- distinguishes one element from another and is characteristic of that element only.
The symbol 'Ca' for calcium is taken from the first two letters of its name "Calcium" whereas the symbol 'Cu' for Copper is taken from the first two letters of its latin name "Cuprum".
Related Questions
Define the term 'valency'. With reference to water & ammonia as compounds respectively state the valency of oxygen & nitrogen. Magnesium [2, 8, 2] has valency 2+. Give reasons.
Explain the term 'variable valency'. Copper having electronic configuration 2, 8, 18, 1 exhibits variable valency. Give a reason for the same & name the compound CuCl & CuCl2.
State the valencies of the following metallic elements -
(a) Potassium
(b) Sodium
(c) Calcium
(d) Magnesium
(e) Zinc
(f) Aluminium
(g) Chromium
[write each symbol with the valency]
Certain metals exhibit variable valencies which include valencies: 1+, 2+, 3+, & 4+. State the variable valency of the following metals -
(a) Copper
(b) Silver
(c) Mercury
(d) Iron
(e) Tin
(f) Lead
[write each symbol with the variable valency]