Essential Elements and Their Chemical Symbols

Elements and Their Chemical Symbols

Introduction

This section provides a list of important chemical elements and their corresponding symbols, which are fundamental knowledge for students in General, Organic, and Biological (GOB) Chemistry. Understanding these symbols is essential for interpreting chemical formulas, equations, and the periodic table.

List of Common Elements and Their Symbols

• Calcium (Ca)

• Manganese (Mn)

• Molybdenum (Mo)

• Chlorine (Cl)

• Nitrogen (N)

• Chromium (Cr)

• Oxygen (O)

• Phosphorus (P)

• Copper (Cu)

• Potassium (K)

• Fluorine (F)

• Selenium (Se)

• Hydrogen (H)

• Sodium (Na)

• Magnesium (Mg)

Key Points

• Chemical symbols are one- or two-letter abbreviations for elements, usually derived from their English or Latin names (e.g., Na for sodium from Latin natrium).

• These symbols are used universally in chemical equations and formulas.

• Knowing the symbols is essential for writing and balancing chemical equations, understanding the periodic table, and communicating chemical information.

Example: Writing a Chemical Formula

• Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen. Its chemical formula is $H_2O$.

• Table salt is composed of sodium and chlorine. Its chemical formula is $NaCl$.

Table: Elements and Their Symbols

Element Name	Chemical Symbol
Calcium	Ca
Manganese	Mn
Molybdenum	Mo
Chlorine	Cl
Nitrogen	N
Chromium	Cr
Oxygen	O
Phosphorus	P
Copper	Cu
Potassium	K
Fluorine	F
Selenium	Se
Hydrogen	H
Sodium	Na
Magnesium	Mg

Additional info:

• Some element symbols are not obvious from their English names because they are based on Latin or Greek roots (e.g., Na for sodium, K for potassium from kalium).

• These elements are commonly encountered in biological systems and are essential for life processes.