Jan 5, 2010

Science Fact Finder | Chemistry and Physics - What Are Some Chemical Elements Whose Symbols Are Not Derived From Their English Names?

What are some chemical elements whose symbols are not derived from their English names?

The symbols for many chemical elements are derived from their old, Latin names, rather than from their contemporary names. A partial list of these elements follows:

...
Modern Name Symbol Older Name
antimony Sb stibium
copper Cu cuprum
gold Au aurum
iron Fe ferrum
lead Pb plumbum
mercury Hg hydrargyrum
potassium K kalium
silver Ag argentum
sodium Na natrium

[The entire page is 237 words long]

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