The symbol CO stands for carbon monoxide, but the sym-bol Co stands for the element cobalt. Explain.

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Understand that chemical symbols are standardized abbreviations used to represent elements and compounds in chemistry.

Recognize that each element has a unique one or two-letter symbol, often derived from its English or Latin name.

Note that 'CO' is a compound consisting of carbon (C) and oxygen (O), forming carbon monoxide, a molecule with one carbon atom and one oxygen atom.

Identify that 'Co' is the symbol for the element cobalt, which is a transition metal found on the periodic table.

Appreciate the importance of capitalization in chemical symbols: 'CO' (carbon monoxide) is different from 'Co' (cobalt) due to the capitalization of the second letter.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Chemical Symbols

Chemical symbols are one- or two-letter abbreviations used to represent chemical elements. The first letter is always capitalized, while the second letter, if present, is lowercase. For example, 'C' represents carbon, and 'O' represents oxygen, which together form carbon monoxide (CO). Understanding these symbols is crucial for distinguishing between different substances in chemistry.

Element vs. Compound

An element is a pure substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances and is represented by a unique chemical symbol, such as Co for cobalt. In contrast, a compound consists of two or more elements chemically bonded together, like carbon monoxide (CO), which is formed from carbon and oxygen. Recognizing the difference between elements and compounds is essential for interpreting chemical formulas.

Nomenclature in Chemistry

Nomenclature refers to the system of naming chemical substances according to established rules. In this context, the distinction between CO (carbon monoxide) and Co (cobalt) highlights the importance of proper naming conventions to avoid confusion. Understanding nomenclature helps in accurately communicating chemical information and ensures clarity in scientific discussions.

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Related Practice

(a) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were compounds used as coolants in transformers and capacitors, but their production was banned by the U.S. Congress in 1979 because they are highly toxic and persist in the environment. When 1.0 g of a PCB containing carbon, hydrogen, and chlorine was subjected to combustion analysis, 1.617 g of CO₂. and 0.138 g of H₂O were produced. What is the empirical formula?

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