Which of the following pairs correctly matches an element with its chemical symbol?

• A. Sodium — Na
• B. Potassium — P
• C. Carbon — Ca
• D. Iron — Ir

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand that each chemical element has a unique one- or two-letter chemical symbol derived from its English or Latin name.
2. Step 2: Recall or look up the correct chemical symbols for the elements given: Sodium, Potassium, Carbon, and Iron.
3. Step 3: Verify Sodium's symbol is 'Na', which comes from its Latin name 'Natrium'.
4. Step 4: Check Potassium's symbol, which is 'K' (from Latin 'Kalium'), not 'P'. The symbol 'P' belongs to Phosphorus.
5. Step 5: Confirm Carbon's symbol is 'C', not 'Ca'. 'Ca' is the symbol for Calcium. Also, Iron's symbol is 'Fe' (from Latin 'Ferrum'), not 'Ir' which is for Iridium.