Question

The chemical symbol for sodium is:
(A) So
(B) Sd
(C) Sm
(D) Na

Answer 1

The chemical symbol of an element is given by writing the first one or two letters of the name of the element. In some cases, the Latin or Greek name of the element is used in assigning the chemical symbol.

Complete step by step solution:
We know that Sodium is an element and the elements are named in a certain way.
-Some of the elements that were being used from ancient times. So, they had certain names in Latin and Greek language. So, in some cases, we use his name in Latin or Greek to show its symbol.
-Chemical symbols of any element generally consist of one to three letters. It is necessary that the first letter of the symbol is capital.
-Now, in certain cases, the symbol of the element is given its name in either Latin or Greek language. In these cases, the symbol is not derived from the actual name of the element.
-Generally either only the first letter of the name or first two letters of the name is used in the notation of the chemical symbol of the element.
-Here, we are being asked about the chemical symbol of sodium.
-The chemical symbol of sodium is given from its name in Latin which is ‘Natrium’. In Greek, sodium is called ‘Natros’. So, from these two languages, the initial two letters of the name are used to describe the element.
-Thus, we can say that the chemical symbol of sodium is Na.

Therefore the correct answer is (D).

Note: Remember that the chemical symbol of sodium metal is not given from its name ‘Sodium’. Actually, its chemical symbol is assigned from its name in Latin which is ‘Natros’.