Look at the alphabetical list of elements inside the front cover. What are the symbols for the following elements? (a) Gadolinium (used in color TV screens) (b) Germanium (used in semiconductors) (c) Technetium (used in biomedical imaging) (d) Arsenic (used in pesticides)

Key Concepts

Periodic Table of Elements

The Periodic Table is a systematic arrangement of chemical elements, organized by increasing atomic number. Each element is represented by a unique one- or two-letter symbol, which is derived from its name, often in Latin or Greek. Understanding the layout of the table helps in identifying elements and their properties, including their symbols.

Element Symbols

Element symbols are shorthand notations used to represent chemical elements. Each symbol consists of one or two letters, with the first letter always capitalized and the second letter, if present, in lowercase. For example, Gadolinium is represented as 'Gd', Germanium as 'Ge', Technetium as 'Tc', and Arsenic as 'As'.

Applications of Elements

Many elements have specific applications based on their unique properties. For instance, Gadolinium is used in color TV screens due to its magnetic properties, Germanium is crucial in semiconductor technology, Technetium is utilized in medical imaging for its radioactive properties, and Arsenic is commonly found in pesticides. Understanding these applications provides context for why these elements are significant.