Periodic Table: Element Symbols: Study with Video Lessons, Practice Problems & Examples

The periodic table, organized by Mendeleev in 1869, arranges elements by increasing atomic number (Z), reflecting their recurring chemical properties. Each element has a symbol, often derived from its name, though 11 symbols originate from Latin names. Understanding the periodic table aids in predicting element behavior and properties, essential for grasping concepts in chemistry. Memorization of key elements and their symbols is crucial for academic success, as these foundational elements underpin various chemical reactions and interactions.

Periodic Table: Symbols Concept

Now before we talk about the periodic table, the elements, and their symbols, let's go over a little bit of history. We're going to say here at the end of the 18th century, it was Antoine Lavoisier who compiled a list of 23 elements and their symbols known at the time. And in 1869, it was Mendeleev who organized them by their recurring or periodic chemical properties. He used the term periodic law to justify the way he organized the elements. Now, how does this connect to the periodic table? Well, the periodic table here has all of these elements with their symbols, and we're going to see the periodic table itself can be seen as a grid of elemental symbols that is organized in terms of increasing atomic number. Remember your atomic number uses the variable z, and it basically tells us the number of protons for any particular element. So here, hydrogen has the lowest atomic number, and as we start moving, we'll see that the atomic number is increasing. So 1, 2, 3, so on and so forth. By organizing the periodic table in terms of increasing atomic number, elements are allowed to fall within certain columns or groups. When they're in the same group, they're going to share similar chemical properties. This was the genius of Mendeleev. By organizing it in terms of increasing atomic number, he could predict that in this slot, an element would be found eventually. So although there were about 23 elements at the time when they started organizing this, by organizing in the way that they did, they could predict that other elements would be found over time. Now the element symbol itself is just the abbreviated form of an element. Now, most elements, it's based on the first letters of their names. Hydrogen starts with an H, so its element symbol is H. Lithium starts with Li, so its element symbol is Li. But there are 11 elements on the periodic table, which aren't based on the first letters of their name, but actually based on their Latin names. Now the Latin names are not as important, but it's good to know that certain names and certain symbols don't really match up too well. That's because the symbol is based on the old Latin name that has been replaced over time with this new modern one. So those elements include sodium, which is Na, potassium, which is K, iron, which is Fe, tungsten, which is W, copper, which is Cu, silver, which is Ag, gold, which is Au, mercury, which is Hg, tin which is Sn, lead which is Pb, and finally antimony which is Sb. The rest of the elements for the most part, we can see that the name comes from the first letter or first few letters of the name. But these 11, these special 11, their symbol comes from the old Latin name that has been replaced over time. So just remember, the periodic table can be credited from Lavoisier and Mendeleev. Organizationally wise, Mendeleev had a big part in playing when organizing the periodic table, and it's organized in terms of increasing atomic number so that groups that have similar chemical properties, well, elements that fall in certain groups have similar chemical properties. So take this to heart when you're learning about each of these elements. Now consult with your professor because, normally, they want you to memorize a set number of elements with their symbols. So I would go back and talk to your professors and find out how many of these elements you do need to know for memory.

Periodic Table: Symbols Example 1

So here in this example question, it says, name the halogen with the smallest atomic number. So remember, if you are a halogen, then you reside in group 7A or what we call group 17. If we come up here, we are going to say group 7A or group 17 is this group right here. And which choices do we have to look at? We have fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine. Those are our halogens. Sc is over here, so that's irrelevant. The one with the smallest atomic number, if we look, we have fluorine which would be the answer. It has the smallest atomic number of just 9. So here, we're going to say that "A" would have to be our correct answer.

Based on the number of protons each element has, which would you expect to be chemically similar?

• A. Z = 7 and Z = 8
• B. Z = 22 and Z = 31
• C. Z = 3 and Z = 11
• D. Z = 32 and Z = 33

Here’s what students ask on this topic:

What is the significance of Mendeleev's periodic table in modern chemistry?

Mendeleev's periodic table, created in 1869, is significant because it organized elements by increasing atomic number (Z) and recurring chemical properties. This organization allowed Mendeleev to predict the existence and properties of elements that had not yet been discovered. The periodic table's structure helps chemists understand and predict the behavior of elements in chemical reactions. Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties, making it easier to study and categorize them. Mendeleev's work laid the foundation for modern chemistry, enabling scientists to systematically explore and understand the elements and their interactions.

Why do some element symbols not match their English names?

Some element symbols do not match their English names because they are derived from their Latin names. For example, the symbol for sodium is Na, from the Latin 'natrium,' and the symbol for potassium is K, from 'kalium.' This historical naming convention has persisted even as the modern names have changed. There are 11 such elements, including iron (Fe from 'ferrum'), copper (Cu from 'cuprum'), and gold (Au from 'aurum'). Understanding these Latin-based symbols is important for accurately identifying and working with these elements in chemistry.

How is the periodic table organized?

The periodic table is organized by increasing atomic number (Z), which represents the number of protons in an element's nucleus. Elements are arranged in rows called periods and columns called groups. Elements in the same group share similar chemical properties due to having the same number of valence electrons. This organization allows for the prediction of element behavior and properties. Mendeleev's genius was in recognizing the periodicity of these properties, which led to the modern periodic table's structure, aiding in the study and understanding of chemical interactions.

What are the key elements and their symbols that college students should memorize?

College students should memorize key elements and their symbols, especially those frequently encountered in chemistry courses. Some important ones include hydrogen (H), helium (He), carbon (C), nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), silver (Ag), and gold (Au). Memorizing these symbols helps in understanding chemical equations, reactions, and properties, which are fundamental to mastering chemistry concepts.

What is the periodic law and how did it influence the periodic table?

The periodic law, formulated by Mendeleev, states that the properties of elements are a periodic function of their atomic numbers. This means that elements with similar properties recur at regular intervals when arranged by increasing atomic number. This law influenced the periodic table by providing a systematic way to organize elements, allowing for the prediction of undiscovered elements and their properties. The periodic law underpins the table's structure, making it a powerful tool for understanding chemical behavior and relationships among elements.