Problem 9 - Chemistry: Principles and Reactions

Question

Write the name of the element represented by the following symbols. (a) \(\mathrm{Hg}\) (b) Si (c) Na (d) I

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Answer: (a) Mercury, (b) Silicon, (c) Sodium, (d) Iodine

Step 1: (a) Finding the name of element with symbol Hg

By referring to the periodic table, we can find that the symbol Hg represents the element Mercury.

Step 2: (b) Finding the name of the element with symbol Si

By referring to the periodic table, we can find that the symbol Si represents the element Silicon.

Step 3: (c) Finding the name of the element with symbol Na

By referring to the periodic table, we can find that the symbol Na represents the element Sodium.

Step 4: (d) Finding the name of the element with symbol I

By referring to the periodic table, we can find that the symbol I represents the element Iodine.

Key Concepts

Periodic Table

The periodic table is a masterpiece of organized chemical information. It acts as the roadmap to understanding the basics of chemistry. Each square on the table includes the chemical symbol, atomic number, and atomic weight of an element. The table is arranged in order of increasing atomic number from left to right and top to bottom. The rows are called periods and the columns are known as groups or families.

Elements in the same group often have similar chemical properties, which is a result of their similar electron configuration. For instance, Group 1 (also known as the alkali metals) include elements like Na (Sodium), which are all highly reactive at standard temperature and pressure. The periodic table not only gives you information about the element itself, but also insight into how it will react with other elements and compounds.

Understanding the layout of the periodic table is crucial for any chemistry student. It’s also where you'll start if you need to look up an element's symbol to find out the element’s name — like transforming symbol Hg to Mercury through a quick search in the periodic table.

Chemical Elements

Chemical elements are the building blocks of all matter. An element is a pure substance that can't be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. There are currently 118 confirmed elements, each with its unique properties, and they can exist in several states of matter including solids, liquids, and gases under normal conditions.

For instance, Mercury (Hg) is a liquid at room temperature, which is a unique characteristic among the metallic elements. Silicon (Si), another element, is a solid used in semiconductor electronics. Sodium (Na) is a soft, highly reactive metal commonly found in table salt. Finally, Iodine (I) is a solid halogen used significantly in nutrition.

The diversity of the elements and their abundant compounds make up the entire discipline of chemistry. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the most common elements and their characteristics, which includes learning their chemical symbols and understanding their placement on the periodic table.

Element Names

Element names are a crucial part of chemistry language. They provide a standard way for chemists around the world to communicate without ambiguity. Each element's name is derived from a variety of sources, sometimes reflecting a property of the element, its discovery location, or in honour of a scientist.

For example, 'Mercury' is named after the Roman god of trade and thievery, due to the element's quicksilver appearance. 'Silicon' derives from the Latin 'silex' or 'silicis', meaning flint or hard stone. 'Sodium' comes from the English word 'soda', referring to the sodium salts old in mineral waters, while 'Iodine' is derived from the Greek word 'iodes', meaning violet, a nod to the element's vapours.

The use of symbols like Hg for Mercury, Si for Silicon, etc., provides a shorthand representation, which is invaluable for writing chemical equations and formulas. Students learn these symbols to help with memorizing the elements and ensuring communication is clear, especially when dealing with chemical reactions.