Symbols And Rules

Symbols And Rules

ELEMENT:  The substance which cannot be broken down into simpler substances by physical or  chemical means is called as an Element.
SYMBOL: The short hand representation of an element is called as symbol. It was introduced by J.J.Berzelius. 

Significance of a symbol:
It has both qualitative and quantitative significance.
Qualitative meaning:A symbol represents specific element. and also one atom of an element.
Ex: O stands for oxygen.

Quantitative meaning:
A symbol represents mass of an element
Ex: O represents 16 mass (atomic weight).

Rules for writing symbols for elements:
1. For some elements the first letter of its english name is used as symbol to represent element. Only capital letters must be used. 
2. If the names of elements starts with same letter then second letter is added to first letter. First letter  must be capital and second letter must be small.
3.For some elements the symbols are given based on latin names, scientist names and countries names.

Table showing the symbols of all elements