Question

Define symbol.

Answer 1

Hint: A chemical symbol is a one- or two-letter designation of an element. Every element of the periodic table is represented by a different symbol. Example:- Sodium for \[Na\] , \[O\] for oxygen, \[Zn\] for zinc, and \[Fe\] for iron.

Complete answer
Chemical symbols are abbreviations used in chemistry for chemical elements, functional groups and chemical compounds. The first letter of a symbol is always capitalized. If the symbol contains two letters, the second letter is lowercase. The majority of elements have symbols that are based on their english names. it’s a short representation of a chemical element or like the symbols in the periodic table. Many elements have symbols that derive from the Latin name for the element.
Attached subscripts specifying a nuclide or molecule have the following meanings and positions:
1.Mass number is shown in the left superscript position \[\left( {e.g.,^{14}N} \right)\]
2. Atomic number may be indicated in the left subscript position \[\left( {e.g.,^{64}Gd} \right)\]
3. State of ionization may be indicated in the right superscript position (e.g., state of ionization \[C{a^{2 + }}).\]
4. The number of atoms of an element in a molecule or chemical compound is shown in the right subscript position \[\left( {e.g.,{\text{ }}{N_2}\;or{\text{ }}F{e_2}{O_3}} \right).\]
5. A radical is indicated by a dot on the right side (e.g., ${Cl}^{\cdot}$ over a neutral chlorine atom)
6. Many functional groups also have their own chemical symbol, e.g.\[\;Ph\] for the phenyl group, and \[Me\] for the methyl group.

Note:
A \[3\]-letter temporary symbol may be assigned to a newly synthesized (or not yet synthesized) element. For example, was the temporary symbol for \[hassium\] (element \[108\]) which had the temporary name of \[unniloctium\]