Lesson 2 of 5

Chemical symbols

Goal: Recall the symbols of common elements.

Puzzles for this lesson

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An aluminium drinks can, a pile of iron nails, a copper pipe and a helium balloon

Every element has its own chemical symbol: one or two letters that scientists all over the world use.

In the picture: aluminium is Al, iron is Fe, copper is Cu and the helium in the balloon is He.

  • The first letter is always a capital. If there is a second letter, it is small. Magnesium is Mg, not MG.
  • Some symbols come from Latin names. Iron is Fe, from ferrum. Sodium is Na, from natrium. Potassium is K, from kalium.
  • Why use symbols? They are quick to write, and they mean the same thing in every language.

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Key words in this lesson

Element A substance made of only one type of atom

Chemical symbol One or two letters that stand for an element

For teachers: AQA 3.5.4 · Pearson Edexcel 14.3, 16.1