Chemical Symbols from Latin Names
Some elements have chemical symbols that come from their Latin names, not their English names. This can be confusing, so it’s good to learn both the English and Latin names.
Below is a list of common elements with their Latin names and chemical symbols:
| Element (English) | Latin Name | Symbol |
|---|---|---|
| Sodium | Natrium | Na |
| Potassium | Kalium | K |
| Copper | Cuprum | Cu |
| Iron | Ferrum | Fe |
| Silver | Argentum | Ag |
| Lead | Plumbum | Pb |
| Gold | Aurum | Au |
| Mercury | Hydrargyrum | Hg |
Key Points to Remember
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Some symbols are not based on English names.
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These symbols often come from Latin.
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Learn the symbol, English name, and Latin name together.