What is Symbol in Chemistry ?

Definition: A symbol is an abbreviation of the name of an element.

Derivation of the symbol:

The symbol of the element has been derived in three different ways:

1. The first letter (in the capital) of the English name of an element Ex: Hydrogen(H) and Boron(B) etc.
2. The first letter (in the capital) along with one or more letter of the English name of an element( when names of two or more elements begin with the same letter).Helium(He) and Neon(Ne) etc.
3. One or two letters of the Latin name of an element.Ex: Sodium(Na) and Lead(Pb).

What does a symbol represent?

Symbol of an element represents the following:

1. An element in particular

For example, you know that the symbol of sodium is Na, and chlorine is Cl.

Now instead of saying the compound, common salt is made up of the elements sodium and chlorine. You can say that it is made up of Na and Cl.You can say that Cu is red-brown, while Au is yellow and Ca is metal while Cl is non-metal.

2. An atom of an element

In formulae and equations, a symbol represents an atom of an element.