1. Chapter 3 Atoms and Elements
3.2
Elements and Symbols
Copyright © 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

2. Elements
Elements are
pure substances that cannot be separated into simpler substances by ordinary laboratory processes.
the building blocks of matter.
gold carbon aluminum

3. Sources of Some Element Names
Some elements are
named for planets,
mythological figures,
minerals, colors,
scientists, and
places.

4. Symbols of Elements A symbol represents the name of an element.
consists of 1 or 2 letters.
starts with a capital letter.
1-Letter Symbols 2-Letter Symbols
C carbon Co cobalt
N nitrogen Ca calcium
F fluorine Al aluminum
O oxygen Mg magnesium

5. Symbols from Latin Names
Several symbols are derived from Latin names as shown
below.
Cu, copper (cuprum) Au, gold (aurum)
Fe, iron (ferrum) Ag, silver (argentum)
Copyright © 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

6. Physical Properties of Elements
The physical properties of an element
are observed or measured without changing its identity.
include the following:
Shape Density
Color Melting point
Odor and taste Boiling point

7. Physical Properties of Elements
Some physical properties of
copper are:
Color Red-orange
Luster Very shiny
Melting point °C
Boiling point °C
Conduction
of electricity Excellent
of heat Excellent
Copyright © 2009 by Pearson Education, Inc.

8. Learning Check Select the correct symbol for each. A. Calcium
1) C 2) Ca 3) CA
B. Sulfur
1) S 2) Sl 3) Su
C. Iron
1) Ir 2) FE 3) Fe

9. Solution Select the correct symbol for each. A. Calcium 2) Ca
B. Sulfur
1) S
C. Iron
3) Fe

10. Learning Check Select the correct name for each symbol. A. N
1) neon 2) nitrogen 3) nickel
B. P
1) potassium 2) phlogiston 3) phosphorus
C. Ag
1) silver 2) agean 3) gold

11. Solution Select the correct name for each: A. N 2) nitrogen B. P
3) phosphorus
C. Ag
1) silver