does anybody know why the following elements have the symbols that they do?
Sodium
Iron
Mercury
Tungsten
Potassium
Silver
Copper
Animony
Gold
2007-02-07 11:35:48 · 8 answers · asked by badtripdolphin 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
Sodium: Natrium
Iron: Ferrum
Mercury: Hydragyrum
Potassium: Kallium
Tungsten: Wolfram
Silver: Argentium
Copper: Cuprum
Antimony: Stibium
Gold: Arum
They’re the Latin names. Except for Tungsten, that one is German.
2007-02-07 11:38:20 · answer #1 · answered by sarianne 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
These elements have been known since ancient times and were given Latin or Greek names before IUPAC came up with their naming system. Their symbols are taken from their ancient names.
2007-02-07 19:39:01 · answer #2 · answered by physandchemteach 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually it is because the symbols is taken from the latin name, not the English name.
2007-02-07 19:38:37 · answer #3 · answered by Random Precision 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The are abbreviations of the Latin names.
For instance, Sodium -Na, is for Natrium
Potassium - K, is for Katrium
etc
2007-02-07 19:41:34 · answer #4 · answered by LeBlanc 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many have their symbols taken from their Latin names. Gold(Aurium)Au,Silver(Argentium)Ag and so forth.
2007-02-07 22:00:28 · answer #5 · answered by Walter S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Research it yourslef on Wikipedia.
2007-02-07 19:44:54 · answer #6 · answered by km43dragon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
latin names. you don't have it listed, but like lead is plumbum.
2007-02-07 19:54:16 · answer #7 · answered by gypsygirl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
one word answer :- LATIN
2007-02-07 19:38:18 · answer #8 · answered by Abdul S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋