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HomeHomework HelpchemistryChemical Symbols and Notation

Chemical Symbols and Notation

The system of abbreviations used to represent chemical elements, including the formation of symbols from element names, Latin, German, or Greek roots, and the unique representation of each element with a distinct symbol

beginner
2 hours
Chemistry
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Overview

Chemical symbols and notation are fundamental concepts in chemistry that allow scientists to communicate complex information about elements and compounds efficiently. Understanding these symbols is crucial for interpreting chemical formulas, which represent the composition of substances. For example...

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Key Terms

Element
A pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances.

Example: Oxygen (O) is an element essential for respiration.

Chemical Symbol
A one or two-letter notation used to represent an element.

Example: The chemical symbol for gold is Au.

Molecular Formula
A formula that shows the number and type of atoms in a molecule.

Example: The molecular formula for water is H₂O.

Empirical Formula
A formula that shows the simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.

Example: The empirical formula for hydrogen peroxide is HO.

Chemical Reaction
A process that leads to the transformation of one set of chemical substances to another.

Example: Combining hydrogen and oxygen to form water is a chemical reaction.

Reactants
Substances that undergo a chemical change in a reaction.

Example: In the reaction 2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O, H₂ and O₂ are reactants.

Related Topics

Periodic Table
A tabular arrangement of elements based on their atomic number and properties.
beginner
Chemical Bonds
The forces that hold atoms together in compounds, including ionic and covalent bonds.
intermediate
Stoichiometry
The calculation of reactants and products in chemical reactions.
intermediate
Acids and Bases
Substances that can donate protons (acids) or accept protons (bases) in chemical reactions.
intermediate

Key Concepts

Element SymbolsMolecular FormulasChemical ReactionsIonic and Covalent Bonds