Question

If symbols of Cobalt, $Co$ were written as $CO$ , what wrong would be with it.

Answer 1

Hint: First of all we need to have an idea about the Cobalt, and where it is placed on the periodic table. Then we need to understand how symbols are written and what does capital and small letters in a symbol mean. In the end we will see that what is wrong with the $CO$ when it is written for the Cobalt.

Complete Step by step Solutions:
Step1: Cobalt is a metal belonging to the group called transition metals. It is hard and silvery in color. Its atomic number is 27 and it is found in the earth crust.
Step2: Every element has given its own symbol. They are generally one or two letters long. Every element’s symbol starts with the Capital letter and if there is a second letter then it is a small letter. For example the correct symbol of Iron is $Fe$ .
Step3: When cobalt is written as $CO$ then we have not followed the rules. We must write a small letter after one capital letter. $CO$ represents carbon and oxygen together, not Cobalt. It shows that Carbon and Oxygen are in the form of a compound not an element. So the correct symbol would be $Co$ as per rules.

Note: The cobalt is a ferromagnetic metal just like iron. It can be magnetized and is used to make the magnets. It is alloyed with Aluminum and Nickel to make strong magnets. Its other alloys are also used in the jet turbines and gas turbine generators.