Actinium (Ac) gets its name from the Greek word aktinos, meaning ray or beam, referring to its intense radioactivity. Its symbol “Ac” reflects the first two letters of its name. Actinium is primarily found in uranium ores. It is used in radiation therapy for cancer treatment and as a neutron source.
Al
Aluminum (Al) was named after alumen, the Latin word for alum, a compound from which it was first extracted. Its symbol “Al” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Aluminum is commonly found in bauxite ore and is widely used in packaging, construction materials, and aircraft manufacturing due to its light weight and resistance to corrosion.
Am
Americium (Am) was named after the Americas, where it was first synthesized. The symbol “Am” derives from the first two letters of its name. It is not found naturally but is produced in nuclear reactors. Americium is used in smoke detectors and industrial gauges that measure thickness or density.
Sb
Antimony (Sb) comes from the Greek words anti and monos, meaning "not alone," reflecting its common occurrence with other elements. The symbol “Sb” is derived from its Latin name stibium. It is primarily found in the mineral stibnite and is used in flame retardants, batteries, and as a hardening agent in lead alloys.
Ar
Argon (Ar) comes from the Greek word argos, meaning inactive or lazy, due to its inert nature. Its symbol “Ar” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Argon is found in the Earth’s atmosphere and is commonly used in welding, incandescent light bulbs, and as an inert shielding gas in various industrial processes.
As
Arsenic (As) derives its name from the Greek word arsenikon, meaning potent, which was used to refer to yellow orpiment (an arsenic mineral). Its symbol “As” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Arsenic is commonly found in minerals such as realgar and orpiment. It is used in semiconductors, wood preservatives, and historically, as a pesticide, though its toxic nature has limited some of these applications.
At
Astatine (At) gets its name from the Greek word astatos, meaning unstable, due to its highly radioactive and short-lived nature. Its symbol “At” reflects the first two letters of its name. Astatine is extremely rare and found only in trace amounts in uranium and thorium ores. Its primary use is in research, particularly in cancer treatment through targeted alpha-particle therapy.
Ba
Barium (Ba) comes from the Greek word barys, meaning heavy, due to the high density of its compounds. Its symbol “Ba” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Barium is found in the mineral barite and is commonly used in drilling fluids for oil wells, as a contrast agent in medical X-rays, and in fireworks to create green colors.
Bk
Berkelium (Bk) was named after the University of California, Berkeley, where it was first synthesized. Its symbol “Bk” reflects the first two letters of its name. Berkelium does not occur naturally and is produced in nuclear reactors. It has no significant commercial uses but is studied for its properties and potential applications in scientific research and nuclear energy.
Be
Beryllium (Be) is named after the mineral beryl, which contains significant amounts of this element. Its symbol “Be” comes from the first two letters of its name. Beryllium is primarily found in minerals like beryl and bertrandite. It is used in aerospace components, X-ray windows, and as an alloying agent in producing strong, lightweight materials.
Bi
Bismuth (Bi) takes its name from the German word Wismut, which means "white mass," referring to its characteristic shiny appearance. Its symbol “Bi” is derived from its Latin name bismutum. Bismuth is found in ores like bismuthinite and bismite. It is used in pharmaceuticals, particularly in Pepto-Bismol, as well as in cosmetics and fire detection systems due to its low toxicity compared to lead.
Bh
Bohrium (Bh) is named after Danish physicist Niels Bohr, who made foundational contributions to atomic structure and quantum theory. Its symbol “Bh” reflects the first two letters of its name. Bohrium is a synthetic element and is not found naturally; it is produced in particle accelerators. It has no known practical uses due to its short half-life and is primarily of interest in scientific research related to the behavior of superheavy elements.
B
Boron (B) gets its name from the mineral borax, from which it was first isolated. Its symbol “B” is simply the first letter of its name. Boron is commonly found in minerals such as borax and kernite. It is used in fiberglass, detergents, and as a semiconductor dopant. Boron is also an essential nutrient for plants and is used in agricultural fertilizers.
Br
Bromine (Br) takes its name from the Greek word bromos, meaning stench, due to its strong, unpleasant odor. Its symbol “Br” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Bromine is commonly found in seawater and salt lakes, often in the form of bromide salts. It is used in flame retardants, water purification, and certain medications, though its toxicity requires careful handling.
Cd
Cadmium (Cd) was named after the Latin word cadmia, referring to the zinc ore calamine, where it was first found as a byproduct. Its symbol “Cd” comes from the first two letters of its name. Cadmium is found in zinc ores and is used in nickel-cadmium batteries, pigments, and coatings, although its use has declined due to concerns about its toxicity and environmental impact.
Ca
Calcium (Ca) derives its name from the Latin word calx, meaning lime, as it was first isolated from limestone. Its symbol “Ca” reflects the first two letters of its name. Calcium is abundant in the Earth’s crust, primarily in the form of calcium carbonate in limestone and marble. It is essential for biological functions, especially in bone health, and is also used in cement, plaster, and as a reducing agent in metal production.
Cf
Californium (Cf) was named after the state of California and the University of California, Berkeley, where it was first synthesized. Its symbol “Cf” comes from the first two letters of its name. Californium is a synthetic element, produced in nuclear reactors. It is used in neutron radiography, as a neutron source for research, and in detecting gold and silver ores through neutron activation analysis.
C
Carbon (C) derives its name from the Latin word carbo, meaning coal, as carbon is a major component of coal. Its symbol “C” comes from the first letter of its name. Carbon is found in all known life forms, the atmosphere (as carbon dioxide), and in fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. It is the basis of organic chemistry and is used in a wide range of industries, including steel production, plastics, and energy storage in the form of graphite in batteries.
Ce
Cerium (Ce) was named after the dwarf planet Ceres, which had recently been discovered at the time. Its symbol “Ce” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Cerium is found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite. It is used in catalytic converters, glass polishing, and in alloys for lighter flints due to its ability to ignite when scratched.
Cs
Cesium (Cs) gets its name from the Latin word caesius, meaning sky blue, referring to the blue spectral lines it produces. Its symbol “Cs” reflects the first two letters of its name. Cesium is commonly found in the mineral pollucite and is used in atomic clocks, drilling fluids for oil extraction, and in photoelectric cells.
Cl
Chlorine (Cl) was named after the Greek word chloros, meaning greenish-yellow, in reference to the color of the gas. Its symbol “Cl” is derived from the first and second letters of its name. Chlorine is found primarily in the form of sodium chloride (table salt) in seawater and salt deposits. It is widely used in disinfectants, water purification, and in the production of plastics such as PVC.
Cr
Chromium (Cr) comes from the Greek word chroma, meaning color, because of the vivid colors of its compounds. Its symbol “Cr” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Chromium is found in the mineral chromite and is commonly used in stainless steel production, chrome plating, and pigments.
Co
Cobalt (Co) takes its name from the German word kobalt or kobold, meaning goblin, because miners found it difficult to extract and thought it was cursed. Its symbol “Co” reflects the first two letters of its name. Cobalt is found in minerals like cobaltite and is used in batteries, magnets, and as a blue pigment in glass and ceramics.
Cn
Copernicium (Cn) is named in honor of the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who formulated a model of the solar system that placed the Sun at its center. Its symbol “Cn” reflects the first two letters of its name. Copernicium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. Due to its extremely short half-life, it has no commercial applications and is primarily of interest for scientific research.
Cu
Copper (Cu) takes its name from the Latin cuprum, which refers to the island of Cyprus, a significant source of copper in ancient times. Its symbol “Cu” is derived from this Latin name. Copper is commonly found in minerals like chalcopyrite and malachite. It is widely used in electrical wiring, plumbing, coinage, and as a component in alloys like bronze and brass due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
Cm
Curium (Cm) was named in honor of Marie and Pierre Curie, pioneers in radioactivity research. Its symbol “Cm” reflects the first two letters of its name. Curium is a synthetic element, primarily produced in nuclear reactors. It has no major commercial uses but is used in scientific research and as a power source for space exploration devices through radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs).
Ds
Darmstadtium (Ds) is named after the city of Darmstadt, Germany, where it was first synthesized. Its symbol “Ds” comes from the first two letters of its name. Darmstadtium is a synthetic element that is not found naturally. Due to its extremely short half-life, it has no practical applications and is mainly studied for its properties in the field of nuclear physics.
Db
Dubnium (Db) is named after the Russian city of Dubna, home to a major nuclear research institute. Its symbol “Db” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Dubnium is a synthetic element, produced in particle accelerators, and is not found in nature. It has no practical uses and is primarily used in scientific research related to the properties of superheavy elements.
Dy
Dysprosium (Dy) comes from the Greek word dysprositos, meaning hard to get, reflecting the difficulty in isolating it. Its symbol “Dy” reflects the first two letters of its name. Dysprosium is commonly found in minerals like xenotime and monazite. It is used in nuclear reactors, magnets, and in materials that require high heat resistance, such as in laser components and data storage devices.
Es
Einsteinium (Es) was named in honor of physicist Albert Einstein. Its symbol “Es” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Einsteinium is a synthetic element, produced in nuclear reactors, and is not found naturally. It has no commercial applications and is used mainly in scientific research, especially in the study of heavy elements and nuclear physics.
Er
Erbium (Er) is named after Ytterby, a village in Sweden where its ore was first discovered. Its symbol “Er” comes from the first two letters of its name. Erbium is commonly found in minerals such as xenotime and euxenite. It is used in fiber-optic communication systems, as a dopant in optical fibers, and in lasers, particularly those used in medical and dental procedures.
Eu
Europium (Eu) was named after the continent of Europe. Its symbol “Eu” reflects the first two letters of its name. Europium is found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite. It is used as a phosphor in color television screens and fluorescent lamps, and in anti-counterfeiting features in euro banknotes due to its ability to fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
Fm
Fermium (Fm) was named in honor of Enrico Fermi, a key figure in nuclear physics. Its symbol “Fm” comes from the first two letters of its name. Fermium is a synthetic element that is not found in nature and is produced in nuclear reactors or during nuclear explosions. It has no practical commercial applications and is primarily used in scientific research.
Fl
Flerovium (Fl) is named after the Flerov Laboratory of Nuclear Reactions in Dubna, Russia, where the element was first synthesized. Its symbol “Fl” derives from the first two letters of its name. Flerovium is a synthetic element that does not occur naturally and has a very short half-life. Its potential uses are still under investigation, mainly in research related to heavy elements.
F
Fluorine (F) gets its name from the Latin word fluere, meaning to flow, because it was originally found in the mineral fluorspar, which was used as a flux in metal smelting. Its symbol “F” is derived from the first letter of its name. Fluorine is found in minerals such as fluorite and is widely used in the production of Teflon, in refrigerants, and in fluoride compounds for dental care to prevent tooth decay.
Fr
Francium (Fr) was named after France, the country where it was discovered. Its symbol “Fr” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Francium is extremely rare and radioactive, found in trace amounts in uranium and thorium ores. It has no significant practical uses due to its rarity and short half-life and is primarily studied for its properties in nuclear science.
Gd
Gadolinium (Gd) is named after the Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin, who discovered the mineral gadolinite, from which the element was first isolated. Its symbol “Gd” reflects the first two letters of its name. Gadolinium is found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite and is used in medical imaging, particularly in MRI contrast agents, as well as in nuclear reactors and in certain alloys that exhibit magnetic properties.
Ga
Gallium (Ga) was named after Gallia, the Latin name for France, by its discoverer, the French chemist Paul-Émile Lecoq. Its symbol “Ga” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Gallium is primarily found in trace amounts in bauxite and zinc ores. It is used in semiconductors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and solar panels. Gallium also has a unique property of melting at just above room temperature, making it useful in high-temperature thermometers.
Ge
Germanium (Ge) is named after Germany, where it was discovered by Clemens Winkler. Its symbol “Ge” reflects the first two letters of its name. Germanium is found in minerals like argyrodite and in zinc ores. It is used in the semiconductor industry, fiber optics, infrared optics, and as a component in some alloys. Germanium is also used in the production of phosphors for fluorescent lamps.
Au
Gold (Au) takes its symbol from its Latin name aurum, meaning shining dawn. Gold is one of the earliest known metals and is found naturally in its pure form in the Earth's crust. It is most commonly found in quartz veins, river gravels, and as placer deposits. Gold has been used for thousands of years in jewelry, currency, and art. It is also important in electronics and medical applications due to its resistance to corrosion and excellent conductivity.
Hf
Hafnium (Hf) is named after Hafnia, the Latin name for Copenhagen, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Hf” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Hafnium is commonly found in zirconium ores and is used in nuclear reactors due to its excellent neutron-absorbing properties. It is also used in high-temperature ceramics and in semiconductor fabrication for microchips.
Hs
Hassium (Hs) was named after the German state of Hesse, where it was first synthesized. Its symbol “Hs” reflects the first two letters of its name. Hassium is a synthetic element and does not occur naturally. Due to its short half-life, it has no commercial applications and is studied mainly for its properties in nuclear science.
He
Helium (He) comes from Helios, the Greek god of the sun, because it was first discovered in the sun's spectrum. Its symbol “He” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Helium is found primarily in natural gas deposits and in the universe’s stars. It is used in cryogenics, as a cooling medium for superconducting magnets, in gas balloons, and in scientific research for its inert properties.
Ho
Holmium (Ho) is named after Holmia, the Latin name for Stockholm, Sweden, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Ho” comes from the first two letters of its name. Holmium is found in minerals such as monazite and gadolinite. It is used in nuclear reactors as a control rod material due to its ability to absorb neutrons, and in the production of powerful magnets and lasers.
H
Hydrogen (H) comes from the Greek words hydro (water) and genes (creator), because it forms water when it burns in the presence of oxygen. Its symbol “H” is derived from its English name. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and is found in water, hydrocarbons, and living organisms. It is used as a fuel in hydrogen fuel cells, in refining petroleum, and in the production of ammonia for fertilizers.
In
Indium (In) takes its name from the indigo blue spectral line it emits when burned. Its symbol “In” reflects the first two letters of its name. Indium is found in zinc ores and is used in the production of LCD screens, as a soldering material in electronics, and in semiconductors. It is also used in low-melting alloys and for coating aircraft engines to prevent corrosion.
I
Iodine (I) is named after the Greek word iodes, meaning violet, due to the purple vapor it releases when heated. Its symbol “I” is the first letter of its name. Iodine is found in seawater and in certain mineral deposits. It is primarily used as a disinfectant, in medical imaging as a contrast agent, and as an essential nutrient in salt to prevent iodine deficiency.
Ir
Iridium (Ir) is named after the Greek goddess Iris, symbolizing the rainbow, because of the varied colors of its salts. Its symbol “Ir” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Iridium is found in platinum ores and is one of the densest and most corrosion-resistant metals. It is used in spark plugs, crucibles, and in devices that require high-temperature resistance, as well as in scientific instruments and electronics.
Fe
Iron (Fe) takes its symbol from the Latin word ferrum, meaning iron. It is one of the most abundant metals in the Earth's crust and is found in minerals such as hematite and magnetite. Iron has been used for thousands of years in tools, weapons, and construction. Today, it is primarily used in the production of steel, which is crucial for infrastructure, machinery, and transportation industries.
Kr
Krypton (Kr) is named after the Greek word kryptos, meaning hidden, because it was difficult to isolate when discovered. Its symbol “Kr” reflects the first two letters of its name. Krypton is found in trace amounts in the Earth's atmosphere. It is primarily used in lighting, especially in high-performance light bulbs and fluorescent lamps, and in photography for certain types of flash bulbs. Krypton is also used in some applications as a plasma in gas lasers.
La
Lanthanum (La) comes from the Greek word lanthanein, meaning to lie hidden, as it was difficult to separate from other elements. Its symbol “La” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Lanthanum is found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite. It is used in camera lenses, in catalysts for refining petroleum, and in the production of strong, high-refractive-index glass.
Lr
Lawrencium (Lr) was named after Ernest O. Lawrence, who invented the cyclotron, a type of particle accelerator. Its symbol “Lr” comes from the first two letters of his name. Lawrencium is a synthetic element and does not occur naturally. It is produced in particle accelerators and has no commercial applications due to its short half-life, being mainly of interest in scientific research into superheavy elements.
Pb
Lead (Pb) takes its symbol from the Latin word plumbum, meaning lead. It is one of the oldest known metals and is commonly found in the mineral galena. Lead is used in batteries, particularly in lead-acid batteries, and in radiation shielding. It was historically used in paints and plumbing but has been largely phased out due to its toxicity.
Li
Lithium (Li) gets its name from the Greek word lithos, meaning stone, because it was first discovered in mineral form. Its symbol “Li” reflects the first two letters of its name. Lithium is found in minerals such as spodumene and in brine pools. It is widely used in rechargeable batteries for electronics, electric vehicles, and in some psychiatric medications to treat bipolar disorder.
Lv
Livermorium (Lv) is named after the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in California, where it was synthesized. Its symbol “Lv” comes from the first two letters of its name. Livermorium is a synthetic element and does not occur naturally. Due to its extremely short half-life, it has no practical applications and is mainly of interest for scientific research.
Lu
Lutetium (Lu) is named after Lutetia, the Latin name for Paris, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Lu” comes from the first two letters of its name. Lutetium is found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite and is one of the rarest and hardest of the rare earth elements. It is used in catalysts in petroleum refining, in medical PET scans as a scintillator, and in certain alloys.
Mg
Magnesium (Mg) takes its name from Magnesia, a region in Greece where magnesium compounds were first found. Its symbol “Mg” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Magnesium is commonly found in minerals such as dolomite and magnesite. It is widely used in the production of lightweight alloys for the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as in flares, fireworks, and as a dietary supplement for its role in muscle and nerve function.
Mn
Manganese (Mn) gets its name from the Latin word magnes, meaning magnet, due to the magnetic properties of its compounds. Its symbol “Mn” reflects the first two letters of its name. Manganese is found in minerals such as pyrolusite and is an essential component of steel, used to improve its strength and hardness. It is also used in batteries, pigments, and as a micronutrient in fertilizers.
Mt
Meitnerium (Mt) was named in honor of Lise Meitner, an Austrian-Swedish physicist who contributed to the discovery of nuclear fission. Its symbol “Mt” is derived from the first two letters of her name. Meitnerium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. It has no practical applications due to its short half-life and is primarily used in scientific research.
Md
Mendelevium (Md) is named after Dmitri Mendeleev, the creator of the periodic table. Its symbol “Md” reflects the first two letters of his name. Mendelevium is a synthetic element and is not found in nature. It is produced in particle accelerators and has no practical applications due to its rarity and short half-life, being mainly of scientific interest in nuclear research.
Hg
Mercury (Hg) takes its symbol from its Latin name hydrargyrum, meaning liquid silver, because of its shiny, liquid form. Mercury is found primarily in the mineral cinnabar. It has been used in thermometers, barometers, and electrical switches, though its use has declined due to its toxicity. Mercury is also used in the production of chlorine and caustic soda in industrial processes.
Mo
Molybdenum (Mo) is named after the Greek word molybdos, meaning lead, as it was often confused with lead ores. Its symbol “Mo” reflects the first two letters of its name. Molybdenum is found in minerals such as molybdenite and is primarily used in steel alloys to enhance strength and resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. It is also used as a catalyst in the petroleum industry and in certain enzymes in living organisms.
Mc
Moscovium (Mc) is named after Moscow, the capital of Russia, to honor the contributions of Russian scientists to the discovery of superheavy elements. Its symbol “Mc” comes from the first two letters of its name. Moscovium is a synthetic element with a very short half-life, produced in particle accelerators. Like other superheavy elements, it is
Nd
Neodymium (Nd) gets its name from the Greek words neos (new) and didymos (twin), as it was discovered alongside the element praseodymium. Its symbol “Nd” comes from the first two letters of its name. Neodymium is found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite and is most famously used in powerful magnets for applications such as headphones, microphones, wind turbines, and electric motors.
Ne
Neon (Ne) is named after the Greek word neos, meaning new, as it was a newly discovered element in the late 19th century. Its symbol “Ne” reflects the first two letters of its name. Neon is a noble gas found in trace amounts in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is best known for its use in neon signs, as well as in high-voltage indicators, vacuum tubes, and in some types of lasers.
Np
Neptunium (Np) is named after the planet Neptune, following the tradition of naming elements after celestial bodies. Its symbol “Np” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Neptunium is a synthetic element found in trace amounts in uranium ores and produced in nuclear reactors. It has no significant commercial uses but is used in scientific research and has potential applications in nuclear batteries.
Ni
Nickel (Ni) takes its name from the German word kupfernickel, meaning devil’s copper, as miners had difficulty extracting usable copper from nickel ores. Its symbol “Ni” reflects the first two letters of its name. Nickel is found in minerals such as pentlandite and laterite. It is used in stainless steel production, in batteries (especially for electric vehicles), and in coins.
Nh
Nihonium (Nh) is named after Nihon, one of the Japanese names for Japan, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Nh” reflects the first two letters of its name. Nihonium is a synthetic element, created in particle accelerators, and does not occur naturally. It has no commercial applications due to its short half-life and is primarily used in scientific research.
Nb
Niobium (Nb) is named after Niobe, a figure from Greek mythology, due to its close association with the element tantalum. Its symbol “Nb” reflects the first two letters of its name. Niobium is found in minerals such as pyrochlore and columbite. It is used in steel alloys to improve strength and resistance to heat, particularly in gas pipelines and jet engines, as well as in superconducting magnets.
N
Nitrogen (N) derives its name from the Greek words nitron (soda) and genes (forming), reflecting its presence in ammonium nitrate. Its symbol “N” is the first letter of its name. Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere and is found in various minerals, as well as in living organisms. It is primarily used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and as a refrigerant in cryogenics. Additionally, nitrogen is vital for the synthesis of amino acids and nucleic acids, making it essential for life.
No
Nobelium (No) was named in honor of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and founder of the Nobel Prizes. Its symbol “No” reflects the first two letters of its name. Nobelium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. It has no commercial applications and is primarily used in scientific research.
Og
Oganesson (Og) was named in honor of Russian physicist Yuri Oganessian for his contributions to the discovery of superheavy elements. Its symbol “Og” comes from the first two letters of his name. Oganesson is a synthetic element created in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. It has no practical uses due to its extreme instability and short half-life and is mainly studied in nuclear research.
Os
Osmium (Os) gets its name from the Greek word osme, meaning smell, due to the pungent odor of its oxide. Its symbol “Os” reflects the first two letters of its name. Osmium is found in platinum ores and is the densest naturally occurring element. It is used in fountain pen nibs, electrical contacts, and in alloys
O
Oxygen (O) comes from the Greek words oxys (acid) and genes (producer), as it was originally believed to be a component of all acids. Its symbol “O” is the first letter of its name. Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and is essential for life, as it is a key component of water, air, and biological processes such as respiration. It is used industrially in steel production, water treatment, and as a medical oxygen supply.
Pd
Palladium (Pd) is named after the asteroid Pallas, which had recently been discovered when the element was first isolated. Its symbol “Pd” comes from the first two letters of its name. Palladium is found in platinum ores and is widely used in catalytic converters for cars, in electronics, and in jewelry. It also plays a role in hydrogen storage and purification.
P
Phosphorus (P) gets its name from the Greek word phosphoros, meaning light-bearer, because white phosphorus glows in the dark. Its symbol “P” is derived from the first letter of its name. Phosphorus is commonly found in phosphate rock and is essential for life, as it is a component of DNA, RNA, and ATP. It is used in fertilizers, detergents, and in the production of safety matches and fireworks.
Pt
Platinum (Pt) takes its name from the Spanish word platina, meaning little silver, as early Spanish explorers initially mistook it for an inferior form of silver. Its symbol “Pt” comes from the first two letters of its name. Platinum is found in ores alongside other platinum group metals and is used in catalytic converters, jewelry, and electronics. It is also used in certain medical devices and in the chemical industry as a catalyst.
Pu
Plutonium (Pu) is named after the dwarf planet Pluto, following the tradition of naming elements after celestial bodies. Its symbol “Pu” reflects the first two letters of its name. Plutonium is a synthetic element found in trace amounts in uranium ores and is produced in nuclear reactors. It is used primarily in nuclear weapons and as a fuel in nuclear power plants and in radioisotope thermoelectric generators for space missions.
Po
Polonium (Po) was named by Marie Curie after her homeland, Poland. Its symbol “Po” reflects the first two letters of its name. Polonium is a rare, highly radioactive element found in trace amounts in uranium ores. It has limited uses, mostly in scientific research and in some industrial applications such as static eliminators and neutron sources.
K
Potassium (K) takes its symbol from the Latin word kalium, which comes from alkali, a term used to describe potash, where the element was first found. Potassium is abundant in minerals such as sylvite and is essential for life, playing a key role in nerve function and muscle contraction. It is used in fertilizers, soaps, and glass production.
Pr
Praseodymium (Pr) gets its name from the Greek words prasios (green) and didymos (twin), referring to the green salts it forms and its close association with neodymium. Its symbol “Pr” reflects the first two letters of its name. Praseodymium is found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite and is used in powerful magnets, welding goggles, and in alloys for aircraft engines.
Pm
Promethium (Pm) is named after Prometheus, the Greek mythological figure who stole fire from the gods, symbolizing the element’s discovery through the process of nuclear fission. Its symbol “Pm” comes from the first two letters of its name. Promethium is a synthetic element found in trace amounts in uranium ores. It is mainly used in luminous paints, atomic batteries, and scientific research.
Pa
Protactinium (Pa) is named from the Greek word protos, meaning first, because it decays into actinium. Its symbol “Pa” reflects the first two letters of its name. Protactinium is found in uranium ores and is extremely rare and highly radioactive. It has no commercial uses due to its toxicity and scarcity but is of scientific interest for studying nuclear decay chains.
Ra
Radium (Ra) takes its name from the Latin word radius, meaning ray, because of its intense radioactive rays. Its symbol “Ra” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Radium is found in uranium and thorium ores and was once used in luminous paints for clocks and watches. Due to its radioactivity, it has been phased out of most applications, but it was historically used in medical treatments.
Rn
Radon (Rn) gets its name from radium, as it is a decay product of that element. Its symbol “Rn” reflects the first two letters of its name. Radon is a radioactive gas found in soil and rocks and can accumulate in homes, posing a health hazard due to its cancer-causing properties. It is used in some cancer treatments but is mainly a concern for its role in indoor air pollution.
Re
Rhenium (Re) is named after the Rhine River in Europe, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Re” comes from the first two letters of its name. Rhenium is found in trace amounts in molybdenite and is used in superalloys for jet engines and gas turbine blades due to its high resistance to heat. It is also used as a catalyst in the production of lead-free gasoline.
Rh
Rhodium (Rh) takes its name from the Greek word rhodon, meaning rose, because of the rose-colored compounds it forms. Its symbol “Rh” reflects the first two letters of its name. Rhodium is found in platinum ores and is used in catalytic converters for reducing harmful emissions from automobiles. It is also used in jewelry plating and in certain high-precision electrical contacts.
Rg
Roentgenium (Rg) is named in honor of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, the discoverer of X-rays. Its symbol “Rg” comes from the first two letters of its name. Roentgenium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. Due to its extremely short half-life, lasting only milliseconds, it has no commercial applications and is mainly of interest in scientific research, particularly in studying the properties of superheavy elements.
Rb
Rubidium (Rb) comes from the Latin word rubidus, meaning deep red, because of the red spectral lines it produces. Its symbol “Rb” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Rubidium is found in minerals such as lepidolite and is used in research, atomic clocks, and in some types of glass and electronics.
Ru
Ruthenium (Ru) is named after Ruthenia, the Latin name for Russia, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Ru” comes from the first two letters of its name. Ruthenium is found in platinum ores and is used as a catalyst in chemical reactions, in electronics as a component of resistors, and in alloys with platinum and palladium to enhance hardness.
Rf
Rutherfordium (Rf) is named in honor of Ernest Rutherford, a pioneering physicist in nuclear science. Its symbol “Rf” reflects the first two letters of his name. Rutherfordium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. It has no commercial applications due to its short half-life and is mainly of interest for research in nuclear physics.
Sm
Samarium (Sm) is named after the mineral samarskite, from which it was first isolated, which itself was named in honor of the Russian mining engineer Colonel Samarsky. Its symbol “Sm” comes from the first two letters of its name. Samarium is found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite and is used in magnets, lasers, and as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors.
Sc
Scandium (Sc) takes its name from Scandinavia, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Sc” reflects the first two letters of its name. Scandium is found in minerals such as thortveitite and in some rare earth deposits. It is used in aerospace components, aluminum-scandium alloys, and in sports equipment like bicycles and baseball bats due to its strength and lightweight properties.
Sg
Seaborgium (Sg) is named after Glenn T. Seaborg, a chemist who contributed to the discovery of several elements. Its symbol “Sg” comes from the first two letters of his name. Seaborgium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and has no commercial applications due to its short half-life, being mainly of interest in scientific research on heavy elements.
Se
Selenium (Se) takes its name from the Greek word selene, meaning moon, because it was found alongside tellurium, which is named after the Earth. Its symbol “Se” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Selenium is found in metal sulfide ores and is used in glass production, electronics (as a semiconductor), and in photocopiers. It is also important as a micronutrient in human diets.
Si
Silicon (Si) is named from the Latin word silex or silicis, meaning flint, due to its common presence in rock and sand. Its symbol “Si” reflects the first two letters of its name. Silicon is found abundantly in the Earth’s crust in the form of silica and silicates. It is used in electronics as the primary material for semiconductors, in construction (concrete and glass), and in solar panels.
Ag
Silver (Ag) takes its symbol from its Latin name argentum, meaning silver. It is found in native form as well as in ores like argentite. Silver is highly conductive and reflective, and it is used in electrical contacts, mirrors, jewelry, coins, and in photographic films.
Na
Sodium (Na) takes its symbol from the Latin word natrium, referring to soda ash, from which sodium compounds were first extracted. Sodium is found in common minerals like halite (rock salt) and is essential for life, playing a key role in nerve function and fluid balance. It is used in food preservation (as table salt), in chemicals, and in street lighting (sodium vapor lamps).
Sr
Strontium (Sr) is named after the village of Strontian in Scotland, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Sr” reflects the first two letters of its name. Strontium is found in minerals such as celestine and strontianite. It is used in fireworks for producing red flames, in glow-in-the-dark paints, and in medical applications for bone imaging.
S
Sulfur (S) takes its name from the Latin word sulfur, which means brimstone. Its symbol “S” is the first letter of its name. Sulfur is found in sulfide minerals and native form around volcanic regions. It is used in the production of sulfuric acid (a key industrial chemical), in fertilizers, in matches, and in rubber vulcanization.
Ta
Tantalum (Ta) is named after Tantalus, a figure from Greek mythology, because its oxide form was difficult to dissolve, "tantalizing" chemists. Its symbol “Ta” comes from the first two letters of its name. Tantalum is found in minerals such as columbite-tantalite and is used in electronics (especially capacitors and resistors), in medical implants due to its resistance to corrosion, and in high-performance alloys.
Tc
Technetium (Tc) gets its name from the Greek word technetos, meaning artificial, because it was the first element to be artificially produced. Its symbol “Tc” reflects the first two letters of its name. Technetium is found in trace amounts in uranium ores but is mainly produced in nuclear reactors. It is used in medical imaging as a radioactive tracer in diagnostic tests.
Te
Tellurium (Te) is named from the Latin word tellus, meaning Earth, as it is found in minerals in the Earth's crust. Its symbol “Te” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Tellurium is found in copper and gold ores and is used in alloys to improve strength and durability, in semiconductors, and in thermoelectric devices.
Ts
Tennessine (Ts) is named after the U.S. state of Tennessee, home to key research facilities that contributed to its discovery. Its symbol “Ts” comes from the first two letters of its name. Tennessine is a synthetic element and does not occur naturally. It has no commercial applications and is mainly of interest for scientific research into heavy elements.
Tb
Terbium (Tb) is named after Ytterby, a village in Sweden where it was discovered. Its symbol “Tb” comes from the first two letters of its name. Terbium is found in rare earth minerals like monazite and xenotime and is used in green phosphors for color television and LED lights, as well as in fuel cells and certain types of lasers.
Tl
Thallium (Tl) gets its name from the Greek word thallos, meaning green shoot or twig, because of the green spectral line it produces. Its symbol “Tl” reflects the first two letters of its name. Thallium is found in minerals like pyrite and is used in electronics, in the manufacture of glass, and historically as a poison in rodent control (though its use in this area has been discontinued due to toxicity).
Th
Thorium (Th) is named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Its symbol “Th” reflects the first two letters of its name. Thorium is found in minerals like monazite and is used in nuclear reactors as a potential alternative fuel to uranium. It was also historically used in gas mantles for lighting.
Tm
Thulium (Tm) is named after Thule, an ancient name for the far northern regions of Europe. Its symbol “Tm” comes from the first two letters of its name. Thulium is found in minerals like monazite and is used in portable X-ray devices, lasers, and as a doping agent in certain high-performance materials.
Sn
Tin (Sn) takes its symbol from the Latin word stannum, meaning tin. It has been used since ancient times in alloys like bronze (a combination of tin and copper). Tin is found in minerals such as cassiterite and is used in soldering, plating, and in food packaging (as tin cans).
Ti
Titanium (Ti) gets its name from the Titans of Greek mythology, symbolizing its strength. Its symbol “Ti” reflects the first two letters of its name. Titanium is found in minerals like ilmenite and rutile and is used in aerospace, medical implants, and in pigments for paint due to its strength, lightness, and resistance to corrosion.
W
Tungsten (W) takes its symbol from the German word wolfram, meaning wolf's foam, as early miners found it while mining tin and considered it a nuisance. Tungsten is found in minerals like wolframite and scheelite and is known for its extremely high melting point. It is used in light bulb filaments, cutting tools, and in military applications.
U
Uranium (U) is named after the planet Uranus. Its symbol “U” reflects the first letter of its name. Uranium is found in minerals such as uraninite and is primarily used as fuel in nuclear power plants and in the production of nuclear weapons. It also has some applications in glass coloring and scientific research.
V
Vanadium (V) is named after Vanadis, a Norse goddess, because of the colorful compounds it forms. Its symbol “V” is the first letter of its name. Vanadium is found in minerals such as vanadinite and is used in steel alloys to increase strength and resistance to corrosion. It is also used in batteries, ceramics, and pigments.
Xe
Xenon (Xe) takes its name from the Greek word xenos, meaning stranger, because it is rare and was difficult to isolate. Its symbol “Xe” reflects the first two letters of its name. Xenon is found in trace amounts in the Earth's atmosphere and is used in specialized lighting, such as in flash lamps and in some types of lasers, as well as in medical imaging.
Yb
Ytterbium (Yb) is named after Ytterby, the Swedish village that has given its name to several elements. Its symbol “Yb” comes from the first two letters of its name. Ytterbium is found in rare earth minerals like xenotime and monazite and is used in atomic clocks, in improving the grain refinement in stainless steel, and in some types of lasers.
Y
Yttrium (Y) takes its name from Ytterby, a Swedish village where it was first discovered. Its symbol “Y” is derived from the first letter of its name. Yttrium is found in rare earth minerals like xenotime and is used in various applications, including LEDs, phosphors for color television screens, and as an alloying agent in aluminum and magnesium to enhance their properties.
Zn
Zinc (Zn) derives its name from the German word zink, which refers to the element's metallic nature. Its symbol “Zn” comes from the first two letters of its name. Zinc is found in minerals such as sphalerite and is essential for human health, playing a vital role in enzyme function. It is used primarily for galvanizing iron and steel to prevent rusting, in batteries, and in the production of various alloys, such as brass.
Zr
Zirconium (Zr) is named after the mineral zircon, from which it was first isolated, which itself comes from the Arabic word zarqūn, meaning vermilion or red. Its symbol “Zr” reflects the first two letters of its name. Zirconium is found in minerals such as zircon and baddeleyite and is used in nuclear reactors due to its low neutron-capturing ability, in ceramics, and in dental implants due to its biocompatibility.
Group 1 is composed of hydrogen (H) and the alkali metals. Elements of the group have one s-electron in the outer electron shell. Hydrogen is not considered to be an alkali metal as it is not a metal, though it is more analogous to them than any other group. This makes the group somewhat exceptional.
Li
Lithium (Li) gets its name from the Greek word lithos, meaning stone, because it was first discovered in mineral form. Its symbol “Li” reflects the first two letters of its name. Lithium is found in minerals such as spodumene and in brine pools. It is widely used in rechargeable batteries for electronics, electric vehicles, and in some psychiatric medications to treat bipolar disorder.
Na
Sodium (Na) takes its symbol from the Latin word natrium, referring to soda ash, from which sodium compounds were first extracted. Sodium is found in common minerals like halite (rock salt) and is essential for life, playing a key role in nerve function and fluid balance. It is used in food preservation (as table salt), in chemicals, and in street lighting (sodium vapor lamps).
K
Potassium (K) takes its symbol from the Latin word kalium, which comes from alkali, a term used to describe potash, where the element was first found. Potassium is abundant in minerals such as sylvite and is essential for life, playing a key role in nerve function and muscle contraction. It is used in fertilizers, soaps, and glass production.
Rb
Rubidium (Rb) comes from the Latin word rubidus, meaning deep red, because of the red spectral lines it produces. Its symbol “Rb” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Rubidium is found in minerals such as lepidolite and is used in research, atomic clocks, and in some types of glass and electronics.
Cs
Cesium (Cs) gets its name from the Latin word caesius, meaning sky blue, referring to the blue spectral lines it produces. Its symbol “Cs” reflects the first two letters of its name. Cesium is commonly found in the mineral pollucite and is used in atomic clocks, drilling fluids for oil extraction, and in photoelectric cells.
Fr
Francium (Fr) was named after France, the country where it was discovered. Its symbol “Fr” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Francium is extremely rare and radioactive, found in trace amounts in uranium and thorium ores. It has no significant practical uses due to its rarity and short half-life and is primarily studied for its properties in nuclear science.
Group 2, the alkaline earth metals, are six chemical elements. They are beryllium (Be), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba), and radium (Ra). The elements have very similar properties: they are all shiny, silvery-white, somewhat reactive metals at standard temperature and pressure.
Be
Beryllium (Be) is named after the mineral beryl, which contains significant amounts of this element. Its symbol “Be” comes from the first two letters of its name. Beryllium is primarily found in minerals like beryl and bertrandite. It is used in aerospace components, X-ray windows, and as an alloying agent in producing strong, lightweight materials.
Mg
Magnesium (Mg) takes its name from Magnesia, a region in Greece where magnesium compounds were first found. Its symbol “Mg” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Magnesium is commonly found in minerals such as dolomite and magnesite. It is widely used in the production of lightweight alloys for the automotive and aerospace industries, as well as in flares, fireworks, and as a dietary supplement for its role in muscle and nerve function.
Ca
Calcium (Ca) derives its name from the Latin word calx, meaning lime, as it was first isolated from limestone. Its symbol “Ca” reflects the first two letters of its name. Calcium is abundant in the Earth’s crust, primarily in the form of calcium carbonate in limestone and marble. It is essential for biological functions, especially in bone health, and is also used in cement, plaster, and as a reducing agent in metal production.
Sr
Strontium (Sr) is named after the village of Strontian in Scotland, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Sr” reflects the first two letters of its name. Strontium is found in minerals such as celestine and strontianite. It is used in fireworks for producing red flames, in glow-in-the-dark paints, and in medical applications for bone imaging.
Ba
Barium (Ba) comes from the Greek word barys, meaning heavy, due to the high density of its compounds. Its symbol “Ba” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Barium is found in the mineral barite and is commonly used in drilling fluids for oil wells, as a contrast agent in medical X-rays, and in fireworks to create green colors.
Ra
Radium (Ra) takes its name from the Latin word radius, meaning ray, because of its intense radioactive rays. Its symbol “Ra” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Radium is found in uranium and thorium ores and was once used in luminous paints for clocks and watches. Due to its radioactivity, it has been phased out of most applications, but it was historically used in medical treatments.
In chemistry, a transition metal (or transition element) is a chemical element in the d-block of the periodic table (groups 3 to 12), though the elements of group 12 (and less often group 3) are sometimes excluded.Since they are metals, they are lustrous and have good electrical and thermal conductivity. Most (with the exception of group 11 and group 12) are hard and strong, and have high melting and boiling temperatures.
Sc
Scandium (Sc) takes its name from Scandinavia, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Sc” reflects the first two letters of its name. Scandium is found in minerals such as thortveitite and in some rare earth deposits. It is used in aerospace components, aluminum-scandium alloys, and in sports equipment like bicycles and baseball bats due to its strength and lightweight properties.
Ti
Titanium (Ti) gets its name from the Titans of Greek mythology, symbolizing its strength. Its symbol “Ti” reflects the first two letters of its name. Titanium is found in minerals like ilmenite and rutile and is used in aerospace, medical implants, and in pigments for paint due to its strength, lightness, and resistance to corrosion.
V
Vanadium (V) is named after Vanadis, a Norse goddess, because of the colorful compounds it forms. Its symbol “V” is the first letter of its name. Vanadium is found in minerals such as vanadinite and is used in steel alloys to increase strength and resistance to corrosion. It is also used in batteries, ceramics, and pigments.
Cr
Chromium (Cr) comes from the Greek word chroma, meaning color, because of the vivid colors of its compounds. Its symbol “Cr” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Chromium is found in the mineral chromite and is commonly used in stainless steel production, chrome plating, and pigments.
Mn
Manganese (Mn) gets its name from the Latin word magnes, meaning magnet, due to the magnetic properties of its compounds. Its symbol “Mn” reflects the first two letters of its name. Manganese is found in minerals such as pyrolusite and is an essential component of steel, used to improve its strength and hardness. It is also used in batteries, pigments, and as a micronutrient in fertilizers.
Fe
Iron (Fe) takes its symbol from the Latin word ferrum, meaning iron. It is one of the most abundant metals in the Earth's crust and is found in minerals such as hematite and magnetite. Iron has been used for thousands of years in tools, weapons, and construction. Today, it is primarily used in the production of steel, which is crucial for infrastructure, machinery, and transportation industries.
Co
Cobalt (Co) takes its name from the German word kobalt or kobold, meaning goblin, because miners found it difficult to extract and thought it was cursed. Its symbol “Co” reflects the first two letters of its name. Cobalt is found in minerals like cobaltite and is used in batteries, magnets, and as a blue pigment in glass and ceramics.
Ni
Nickel (Ni) takes its name from the German word kupfernickel, meaning devil’s copper, as miners had difficulty extracting usable copper from nickel ores. Its symbol “Ni” reflects the first two letters of its name. Nickel is found in minerals such as pentlandite and laterite. It is used in stainless steel production, in batteries (especially for electric vehicles), and in coins.
Cu
Copper (Cu) takes its name from the Latin cuprum, which refers to the island of Cyprus, a significant source of copper in ancient times. Its symbol “Cu” is derived from this Latin name. Copper is commonly found in minerals like chalcopyrite and malachite. It is widely used in electrical wiring, plumbing, coinage, and as a component in alloys like bronze and brass due to its excellent conductivity and resistance to corrosion.
Zn
Zinc (Zn) derives its name from the German word zink, which refers to the element's metallic nature. Its symbol “Zn” comes from the first two letters of its name. Zinc is found in minerals such as sphalerite and is essential for human health, playing a vital role in enzyme function. It is used primarily for galvanizing iron and steel to prevent rusting, in batteries, and in the production of various alloys, such as brass.
Y
Yttrium (Y) takes its name from Ytterby, a Swedish village where it was first discovered. Its symbol “Y” is derived from the first letter of its name. Yttrium is found in rare earth minerals like xenotime and is used in various applications, including LEDs, phosphors for color television screens, and as an alloying agent in aluminum and magnesium to enhance their properties.
Zr
Zirconium (Zr) is named after the mineral zircon, from which it was first isolated, which itself comes from the Arabic word zarqūn, meaning vermilion or red. Its symbol “Zr” reflects the first two letters of its name. Zirconium is found in minerals such as zircon and baddeleyite and is used in nuclear reactors due to its low neutron-capturing ability, in ceramics, and in dental implants due to its biocompatibility.
Nb
Niobium (Nb) is named after Niobe, a figure from Greek mythology, due to its close association with the element tantalum. Its symbol “Nb” reflects the first two letters of its name. Niobium is found in minerals such as pyrochlore and columbite. It is used in steel alloys to improve strength and resistance to heat, particularly in gas pipelines and jet engines, as well as in superconducting magnets.
Mo
Molybdenum (Mo) is named after the Greek word molybdos, meaning lead, as it was often confused with lead ores. Its symbol “Mo” reflects the first two letters of its name. Molybdenum is found in minerals such as molybdenite and is primarily used in steel alloys to enhance strength and resistance to corrosion and high temperatures. It is also used as a catalyst in the petroleum industry and in certain enzymes in living organisms.
Tc
Technetium (Tc) gets its name from the Greek word technetos, meaning artificial, because it was the first element to be artificially produced. Its symbol “Tc” reflects the first two letters of its name. Technetium is found in trace amounts in uranium ores but is mainly produced in nuclear reactors. It is used in medical imaging as a radioactive tracer in diagnostic tests.
Ru
Ruthenium (Ru) is named after Ruthenia, the Latin name for Russia, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Ru” comes from the first two letters of its name. Ruthenium is found in platinum ores and is used as a catalyst in chemical reactions, in electronics as a component of resistors, and in alloys with platinum and palladium to enhance hardness.
Rh
Rhodium (Rh) takes its name from the Greek word rhodon, meaning rose, because of the rose-colored compounds it forms. Its symbol “Rh” reflects the first two letters of its name. Rhodium is found in platinum ores and is used in catalytic converters for reducing harmful emissions from automobiles. It is also used in jewelry plating and in certain high-precision electrical contacts.
Pd
Palladium (Pd) is named after the asteroid Pallas, which had recently been discovered when the element was first isolated. Its symbol “Pd” comes from the first two letters of its name. Palladium is found in platinum ores and is widely used in catalytic converters for cars, in electronics, and in jewelry. It also plays a role in hydrogen storage and purification.
Ag
Silver (Ag) takes its symbol from its Latin name argentum, meaning silver. It is found in native form as well as in ores like argentite. Silver is highly conductive and reflective, and it is used in electrical contacts, mirrors, jewelry, coins, and in photographic films.
Cd
Cadmium (Cd) was named after the Latin word cadmia, referring to the zinc ore calamine, where it was first found as a byproduct. Its symbol “Cd” comes from the first two letters of its name. Cadmium is found in zinc ores and is used in nickel-cadmium batteries, pigments, and coatings, although its use has declined due to concerns about its toxicity and environmental impact.
Lu
Lutetium (Lu) is named after Lutetia, the Latin name for Paris, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Lu” comes from the first two letters of its name. Lutetium is found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite and is one of the rarest and hardest of the rare earth elements. It is used in catalysts in petroleum refining, in medical PET scans as a scintillator, and in certain alloys.
Hf
Hafnium (Hf) is named after Hafnia, the Latin name for Copenhagen, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Hf” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Hafnium is commonly found in zirconium ores and is used in nuclear reactors due to its excellent neutron-absorbing properties. It is also used in high-temperature ceramics and in semiconductor fabrication for microchips.
Ta
Tantalum (Ta) is named after Tantalus, a figure from Greek mythology, because its oxide form was difficult to dissolve, "tantalizing" chemists. Its symbol “Ta” comes from the first two letters of its name. Tantalum is found in minerals such as columbite-tantalite and is used in electronics (especially capacitors and resistors), in medical implants due to its resistance to corrosion, and in high-performance alloys.
W
Tungsten (W) takes its symbol from the German word wolfram, meaning wolf's foam, as early miners found it while mining tin and considered it a nuisance. Tungsten is found in minerals like wolframite and scheelite and is known for its extremely high melting point. It is used in light bulb filaments, cutting tools, and in military applications.
Re
Rhenium (Re) is named after the Rhine River in Europe, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Re” comes from the first two letters of its name. Rhenium is found in trace amounts in molybdenite and is used in superalloys for jet engines and gas turbine blades due to its high resistance to heat. It is also used as a catalyst in the production of lead-free gasoline.
Os
Osmium (Os) gets its name from the Greek word osme, meaning smell, due to the pungent odor of its oxide. Its symbol “Os” reflects the first two letters of its name. Osmium is found in platinum ores and is the densest naturally occurring element. It is used in fountain pen nibs, electrical contacts, and in alloys
Ir
Iridium (Ir) is named after the Greek goddess Iris, symbolizing the rainbow, because of the varied colors of its salts. Its symbol “Ir” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Iridium is found in platinum ores and is one of the densest and most corrosion-resistant metals. It is used in spark plugs, crucibles, and in devices that require high-temperature resistance, as well as in scientific instruments and electronics.
Pt
Platinum (Pt) takes its name from the Spanish word platina, meaning little silver, as early Spanish explorers initially mistook it for an inferior form of silver. Its symbol “Pt” comes from the first two letters of its name. Platinum is found in ores alongside other platinum group metals and is used in catalytic converters, jewelry, and electronics. It is also used in certain medical devices and in the chemical industry as a catalyst.
Au
Gold (Au) takes its symbol from its Latin name aurum, meaning shining dawn. Gold is one of the earliest known metals and is found naturally in its pure form in the Earth's crust. It is most commonly found in quartz veins, river gravels, and as placer deposits. Gold has been used for thousands of years in jewelry, currency, and art. It is also important in electronics and medical applications due to its resistance to corrosion and excellent conductivity.
Hg
Mercury (Hg) takes its symbol from its Latin name hydrargyrum, meaning liquid silver, because of its shiny, liquid form. Mercury is found primarily in the mineral cinnabar. It has been used in thermometers, barometers, and electrical switches, though its use has declined due to its toxicity. Mercury is also used in the production of chlorine and caustic soda in industrial processes.
Lr
Lawrencium (Lr) was named after Ernest O. Lawrence, who invented the cyclotron, a type of particle accelerator. Its symbol “Lr” comes from the first two letters of his name. Lawrencium is a synthetic element and does not occur naturally. It is produced in particle accelerators and has no commercial applications due to its short half-life, being mainly of interest in scientific research into superheavy elements.
Rf
Rutherfordium (Rf) is named in honor of Ernest Rutherford, a pioneering physicist in nuclear science. Its symbol “Rf” reflects the first two letters of his name. Rutherfordium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. It has no commercial applications due to its short half-life and is mainly of interest for research in nuclear physics.
Db
Dubnium (Db) is named after the Russian city of Dubna, home to a major nuclear research institute. Its symbol “Db” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Dubnium is a synthetic element, produced in particle accelerators, and is not found in nature. It has no practical uses and is primarily used in scientific research related to the properties of superheavy elements.
Sg
Seaborgium (Sg) is named after Glenn T. Seaborg, a chemist who contributed to the discovery of several elements. Its symbol “Sg” comes from the first two letters of his name. Seaborgium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and has no commercial applications due to its short half-life, being mainly of interest in scientific research on heavy elements.
Bh
Bohrium (Bh) is named after Danish physicist Niels Bohr, who made foundational contributions to atomic structure and quantum theory. Its symbol “Bh” reflects the first two letters of its name. Bohrium is a synthetic element and is not found naturally; it is produced in particle accelerators. It has no known practical uses due to its short half-life and is primarily of interest in scientific research related to the behavior of superheavy elements.
Hs
Hassium (Hs) was named after the German state of Hesse, where it was first synthesized. Its symbol “Hs” reflects the first two letters of its name. Hassium is a synthetic element and does not occur naturally. Due to its short half-life, it has no commercial applications and is studied mainly for its properties in nuclear science.
Mt
Meitnerium (Mt) was named in honor of Lise Meitner, an Austrian-Swedish physicist who contributed to the discovery of nuclear fission. Its symbol “Mt” is derived from the first two letters of her name. Meitnerium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. It has no practical applications due to its short half-life and is primarily used in scientific research.
Ds
Darmstadtium (Ds) is named after the city of Darmstadt, Germany, where it was first synthesized. Its symbol “Ds” comes from the first two letters of its name. Darmstadtium is a synthetic element that is not found naturally. Due to its extremely short half-life, it has no practical applications and is mainly studied for its properties in the field of nuclear physics.
Rg
Roentgenium (Rg) is named in honor of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen, the discoverer of X-rays. Its symbol “Rg” comes from the first two letters of its name. Roentgenium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. Due to its extremely short half-life, lasting only milliseconds, it has no commercial applications and is mainly of interest in scientific research, particularly in studying the properties of superheavy elements.
Cn
Copernicium (Cn) is named in honor of the astronomer Nicolaus Copernicus, who formulated a model of the solar system that placed the Sun at its center. Its symbol “Cn” reflects the first two letters of its name. Copernicium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. Due to its extremely short half-life, it has no commercial applications and is primarily of interest for scientific research.
The metallic elements in the periodic table located between the transition metals to their left and the chemically weak nonmetallic metalloids to their right have received many names in the literature, such as post-transition metals, poor metals, other metals, p-block metals and chemically weak metals.
Al
Aluminum (Al) was named after alumen, the Latin word for alum, a compound from which it was first extracted. Its symbol “Al” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Aluminum is commonly found in bauxite ore and is widely used in packaging, construction materials, and aircraft manufacturing due to its light weight and resistance to corrosion.
Ga
Gallium (Ga) was named after Gallia, the Latin name for France, by its discoverer, the French chemist Paul-Émile Lecoq. Its symbol “Ga” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Gallium is primarily found in trace amounts in bauxite and zinc ores. It is used in semiconductors, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and solar panels. Gallium also has a unique property of melting at just above room temperature, making it useful in high-temperature thermometers.
In
Indium (In) takes its name from the indigo blue spectral line it emits when burned. Its symbol “In” reflects the first two letters of its name. Indium is found in zinc ores and is used in the production of LCD screens, as a soldering material in electronics, and in semiconductors. It is also used in low-melting alloys and for coating aircraft engines to prevent corrosion.
Sn
Tin (Sn) takes its symbol from the Latin word stannum, meaning tin. It has been used since ancient times in alloys like bronze (a combination of tin and copper). Tin is found in minerals such as cassiterite and is used in soldering, plating, and in food packaging (as tin cans).
Ti
Titanium (Ti) gets its name from the Titans of Greek mythology, symbolizing its strength. Its symbol “Ti” reflects the first two letters of its name. Titanium is found in minerals like ilmenite and rutile and is used in aerospace, medical implants, and in pigments for paint due to its strength, lightness, and resistance to corrosion.
Pb
Lead (Pb) takes its symbol from the Latin word plumbum, meaning lead. It is one of the oldest known metals and is commonly found in the mineral galena. Lead is used in batteries, particularly in lead-acid batteries, and in radiation shielding. It was historically used in paints and plumbing but has been largely phased out due to its toxicity.
Bi
Bismuth (Bi) takes its name from the German word Wismut, which means "white mass," referring to its characteristic shiny appearance. Its symbol “Bi” is derived from its Latin name bismutum. Bismuth is found in ores like bismuthinite and bismite. It is used in pharmaceuticals, particularly in Pepto-Bismol, as well as in cosmetics and fire detection systems due to its low toxicity compared to lead.
Po
Polonium (Po) was named by Marie Curie after her homeland, Poland. Its symbol “Po” reflects the first two letters of its name. Polonium is a rare, highly radioactive element found in trace amounts in uranium ores. It has limited uses, mostly in scientific research and in some industrial applications such as static eliminators and neutron sources.
A metalloid is a chemical element which has a preponderance of properties in between, or that are a mixture of, those of metals and nonmetals. The word metalloid comes from the Latin metallum ("metal") and the Greek oeides ("resembling in form or appearance").[1] There is no standard definition of a metalloid and no complete agreement on which elements are metalloids. Despite the lack of specificity, the term remains in use in the literature.
B
Boron (B) gets its name from the mineral borax, from which it was first isolated. Its symbol “B” is simply the first letter of its name. Boron is commonly found in minerals such as borax and kernite. It is used in fiberglass, detergents, and as a semiconductor dopant. Boron is also an essential nutrient for plants and is used in agricultural fertilizers.
Si
Silicon (Si) is named from the Latin word silex or silicis, meaning flint, due to its common presence in rock and sand. Its symbol “Si” reflects the first two letters of its name. Silicon is found abundantly in the Earth’s crust in the form of silica and silicates. It is used in electronics as the primary material for semiconductors, in construction (concrete and glass), and in solar panels.
Ge
Germanium (Ge) is named after Germany, where it was discovered by Clemens Winkler. Its symbol “Ge” reflects the first two letters of its name. Germanium is found in minerals like argyrodite and in zinc ores. It is used in the semiconductor industry, fiber optics, infrared optics, and as a component in some alloys. Germanium is also used in the production of phosphors for fluorescent lamps.
As
Arsenic (As) derives its name from the Greek word arsenikon, meaning potent, which was used to refer to yellow orpiment (an arsenic mineral). Its symbol “As” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Arsenic is commonly found in minerals such as realgar and orpiment. It is used in semiconductors, wood preservatives, and historically, as a pesticide, though its toxic nature has limited some of these applications.
Sb
Antimony (Sb) comes from the Greek words anti and monos, meaning "not alone," reflecting its common occurrence with other elements. The symbol “Sb” is derived from its Latin name stibium. It is primarily found in the mineral stibnite and is used in flame retardants, batteries, and as a hardening agent in lead alloys.
Te
Tellurium (Te) is named from the Latin word tellus, meaning Earth, as it is found in minerals in the Earth's crust. Its symbol “Te” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Tellurium is found in copper and gold ores and is used in alloys to improve strength and durability, in semiconductors, and in thermoelectric devices.
a nonmetal is a chemical element that mostly lacks distinctive metallic properties. They range from colorless gases like hydrogen to shiny crystals like iodine. Physically, they are usually lighter (less dense) than elements that form metals and are often poor conductors of heat and electricity. Chemically, nonmetals have relatively high electronegativity or usually attract electrons in a chemical bond with another element, and their oxides tend to be acidic.
H
Hydrogen (H) comes from the Greek words hydro (water) and genes (creator), because it forms water when it burns in the presence of oxygen. Its symbol “H” is derived from its English name. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe and is found in water, hydrocarbons, and living organisms. It is used as a fuel in hydrogen fuel cells, in refining petroleum, and in the production of ammonia for fertilizers.
He
Helium (He) comes from Helios, the Greek god of the sun, because it was first discovered in the sun's spectrum. Its symbol “He” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Helium is found primarily in natural gas deposits and in the universe’s stars. It is used in cryogenics, as a cooling medium for superconducting magnets, in gas balloons, and in scientific research for its inert properties.
C
Carbon (C) derives its name from the Latin word carbo, meaning coal, as carbon is a major component of coal. Its symbol “C” comes from the first letter of its name. Carbon is found in all known life forms, the atmosphere (as carbon dioxide), and in fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas. It is the basis of organic chemistry and is used in a wide range of industries, including steel production, plastics, and energy storage in the form of graphite in batteries.
N
Nitrogen (N) derives its name from the Greek words nitron (soda) and genes (forming), reflecting its presence in ammonium nitrate. Its symbol “N” is the first letter of its name. Nitrogen makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere and is found in various minerals, as well as in living organisms. It is primarily used in the production of fertilizers, explosives, and as a refrigerant in cryogenics. Additionally, nitrogen is vital for the synthesis of amino acids and nucleic acids, making it essential for life.
O
Oxygen (O) comes from the Greek words oxys (acid) and genes (producer), as it was originally believed to be a component of all acids. Its symbol “O” is the first letter of its name. Oxygen is the most abundant element in the Earth’s crust and is essential for life, as it is a key component of water, air, and biological processes such as respiration. It is used industrially in steel production, water treatment, and as a medical oxygen supply.
F
Fluorine (F) gets its name from the Latin word fluere, meaning to flow, because it was originally found in the mineral fluorspar, which was used as a flux in metal smelting. Its symbol “F” is derived from the first letter of its name. Fluorine is found in minerals such as fluorite and is widely used in the production of Teflon, in refrigerants, and in fluoride compounds for dental care to prevent tooth decay.
Ne
Neon (Ne) is named after the Greek word neos, meaning new, as it was a newly discovered element in the late 19th century. Its symbol “Ne” reflects the first two letters of its name. Neon is a noble gas found in trace amounts in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is best known for its use in neon signs, as well as in high-voltage indicators, vacuum tubes, and in some types of lasers.
P
Phosphorus (P) gets its name from the Greek word phosphoros, meaning light-bearer, because white phosphorus glows in the dark. Its symbol “P” is derived from the first letter of its name. Phosphorus is commonly found in phosphate rock and is essential for life, as it is a component of DNA, RNA, and ATP. It is used in fertilizers, detergents, and in the production of safety matches and fireworks.
S
Sulfur (S) takes its name from the Latin word sulfur, which means brimstone. Its symbol “S” is the first letter of its name. Sulfur is found in sulfide minerals and native form around volcanic regions. It is used in the production of sulfuric acid (a key industrial chemical), in fertilizers, in matches, and in rubber vulcanization.
Cl
Chlorine (Cl) was named after the Greek word chloros, meaning greenish-yellow, in reference to the color of the gas. Its symbol “Cl” is derived from the first and second letters of its name. Chlorine is found primarily in the form of sodium chloride (table salt) in seawater and salt deposits. It is widely used in disinfectants, water purification, and in the production of plastics such as PVC.
Ar
Argon (Ar) comes from the Greek word argos, meaning inactive or lazy, due to its inert nature. Its symbol “Ar” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Argon is found in the Earth’s atmosphere and is commonly used in welding, incandescent light bulbs, and as an inert shielding gas in various industrial processes.
Se
Selenium (Se) takes its name from the Greek word selene, meaning moon, because it was found alongside tellurium, which is named after the Earth. Its symbol “Se” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Selenium is found in metal sulfide ores and is used in glass production, electronics (as a semiconductor), and in photocopiers. It is also important as a micronutrient in human diets.
Br
Bromine (Br) takes its name from the Greek word bromos, meaning stench, due to its strong, unpleasant odor. Its symbol “Br” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Bromine is commonly found in seawater and salt lakes, often in the form of bromide salts. It is used in flame retardants, water purification, and certain medications, though its toxicity requires careful handling.
Kr
Krypton (Kr) is named after the Greek word kryptos, meaning hidden, because it was difficult to isolate when discovered. Its symbol “Kr” reflects the first two letters of its name. Krypton is found in trace amounts in the Earth's atmosphere. It is primarily used in lighting, especially in high-performance light bulbs and fluorescent lamps, and in photography for certain types of flash bulbs. Krypton is also used in some applications as a plasma in gas lasers.
I
Iodine (I) is named after the Greek word iodes, meaning violet, due to the purple vapor it releases when heated. Its symbol “I” is the first letter of its name. Iodine is found in seawater and in certain mineral deposits. It is primarily used as a disinfectant, in medical imaging as a contrast agent, and as an essential nutrient in salt to prevent iodine deficiency.
Xe
Xenon (Xe) takes its name from the Greek word xenos, meaning stranger, because it is rare and was difficult to isolate. Its symbol “Xe” reflects the first two letters of its name. Xenon is found in trace amounts in the Earth's atmosphere and is used in specialized lighting, such as in flash lamps and in some types of lasers, as well as in medical imaging.
Rn
Radon (Rn) gets its name from radium, as it is a decay product of that element. Its symbol “Rn” reflects the first two letters of its name. Radon is a radioactive gas found in soil and rocks and can accumulate in homes, posing a health hazard due to its cancer-causing properties. It is used in some cancer treatments but is mainly a concern for its role in indoor air pollution.
The noble gases (historically the inert gases, sometimes referred to as aerogens) are the members of group 18 of the periodic table: helium (He), neon (Ne), argon (Ar), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), radon (Rn) and, in some cases, oganesson (Og). Under standard conditions, the first six of these elements are odorless, colorless, monatomic gases with very low chemical reactivity and cryogenic boiling points. The properties of the seventh, unstable, element, Og, are uncertain.
He
Helium (He) comes from Helios, the Greek god of the sun, because it was first discovered in the sun's spectrum. Its symbol “He” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Helium is found primarily in natural gas deposits and in the universe’s stars. It is used in cryogenics, as a cooling medium for superconducting magnets, in gas balloons, and in scientific research for its inert properties.
Ne
Neon (Ne) is named after the Greek word neos, meaning new, as it was a newly discovered element in the late 19th century. Its symbol “Ne” reflects the first two letters of its name. Neon is a noble gas found in trace amounts in the Earth’s atmosphere. It is best known for its use in neon signs, as well as in high-voltage indicators, vacuum tubes, and in some types of lasers.
Ar
Argon (Ar) comes from the Greek word argos, meaning inactive or lazy, due to its inert nature. Its symbol “Ar” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Argon is found in the Earth’s atmosphere and is commonly used in welding, incandescent light bulbs, and as an inert shielding gas in various industrial processes.
Kr
Krypton (Kr) is named after the Greek word kryptos, meaning hidden, because it was difficult to isolate when discovered. Its symbol “Kr” reflects the first two letters of its name. Krypton is found in trace amounts in the Earth's atmosphere. It is primarily used in lighting, especially in high-performance light bulbs and fluorescent lamps, and in photography for certain types of flash bulbs. Krypton is also used in some applications as a plasma in gas lasers.
Xe
Xenon (Xe) takes its name from the Greek word xenos, meaning stranger, because it is rare and was difficult to isolate. Its symbol “Xe” reflects the first two letters of its name. Xenon is found in trace amounts in the Earth's atmosphere and is used in specialized lighting, such as in flash lamps and in some types of lasers, as well as in medical imaging.
Rn
Radon (Rn) gets its name from radium, as it is a decay product of that element. Its symbol “Rn” reflects the first two letters of its name. Radon is a radioactive gas found in soil and rocks and can accumulate in homes, posing a health hazard due to its cancer-causing properties. It is used in some cancer treatments but is mainly a concern for its role in indoor air pollution.
The lanthanide (/ˈlænθənaɪd/) or lanthanoid (/ˈlænθənɔɪd/) series of chemical elements comprises at least the 14 metallic chemical elements with atomic numbers 57–70, from lanthanum through ytterbium. In the periodic table, they fill the 4f orbitals.
La
Lanthanum (La) comes from the Greek word lanthanein, meaning to lie hidden, as it was difficult to separate from other elements. Its symbol “La” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Lanthanum is found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite. It is used in camera lenses, in catalysts for refining petroleum, and in the production of strong, high-refractive-index glass.
Ce
Cerium (Ce) was named after the dwarf planet Ceres, which had recently been discovered at the time. Its symbol “Ce” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Cerium is found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite. It is used in catalytic converters, glass polishing, and in alloys for lighter flints due to its ability to ignite when scratched.
Pr
Praseodymium (Pr) gets its name from the Greek words prasios (green) and didymos (twin), referring to the green salts it forms and its close association with neodymium. Its symbol “Pr” reflects the first two letters of its name. Praseodymium is found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite and is used in powerful magnets, welding goggles, and in alloys for aircraft engines.
Nd
Neodymium (Nd) gets its name from the Greek words neos (new) and didymos (twin), as it was discovered alongside the element praseodymium. Its symbol “Nd” comes from the first two letters of its name. Neodymium is found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite and is most famously used in powerful magnets for applications such as headphones, microphones, wind turbines, and electric motors.
Pm
Promethium (Pm) is named after Prometheus, the Greek mythological figure who stole fire from the gods, symbolizing the element’s discovery through the process of nuclear fission. Its symbol “Pm” comes from the first two letters of its name. Promethium is a synthetic element found in trace amounts in uranium ores. It is mainly used in luminous paints, atomic batteries, and scientific research.
Sm
Samarium (Sm) is named after the mineral samarskite, from which it was first isolated, which itself was named in honor of the Russian mining engineer Colonel Samarsky. Its symbol “Sm” comes from the first two letters of its name. Samarium is found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite and is used in magnets, lasers, and as a neutron absorber in nuclear reactors.
Eu
Europium (Eu) was named after the continent of Europe. Its symbol “Eu” reflects the first two letters of its name. Europium is found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite. It is used as a phosphor in color television screens and fluorescent lamps, and in anti-counterfeiting features in euro banknotes due to its ability to fluoresce under ultraviolet light.
Gd
Gadolinium (Gd) is named after the Finnish chemist Johan Gadolin, who discovered the mineral gadolinite, from which the element was first isolated. Its symbol “Gd” reflects the first two letters of its name. Gadolinium is found in minerals like monazite and bastnäsite and is used in medical imaging, particularly in MRI contrast agents, as well as in nuclear reactors and in certain alloys that exhibit magnetic properties.
Tb
Terbium (Tb) is named after Ytterby, a village in Sweden where it was discovered. Its symbol “Tb” comes from the first two letters of its name. Terbium is found in rare earth minerals like monazite and xenotime and is used in green phosphors for color television and LED lights, as well as in fuel cells and certain types of lasers.
Dy
Dysprosium (Dy) comes from the Greek word dysprositos, meaning hard to get, reflecting the difficulty in isolating it. Its symbol “Dy” reflects the first two letters of its name. Dysprosium is commonly found in minerals like xenotime and monazite. It is used in nuclear reactors, magnets, and in materials that require high heat resistance, such as in laser components and data storage devices.
Ho
Holmium (Ho) is named after Holmia, the Latin name for Stockholm, Sweden, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Ho” comes from the first two letters of its name. Holmium is found in minerals such as monazite and gadolinite. It is used in nuclear reactors as a control rod material due to its ability to absorb neutrons, and in the production of powerful magnets and lasers.
Er
Erbium (Er) is named after Ytterby, a village in Sweden where its ore was first discovered. Its symbol “Er” comes from the first two letters of its name. Erbium is commonly found in minerals such as xenotime and euxenite. It is used in fiber-optic communication systems, as a dopant in optical fibers, and in lasers, particularly those used in medical and dental procedures.
Tm
Thulium (Tm) is named after Thule, an ancient name for the far northern regions of Europe. Its symbol “Tm” comes from the first two letters of its name. Thulium is found in minerals like monazite and is used in portable X-ray devices, lasers, and as a doping agent in certain high-performance materials.
Yb
Ytterbium (Yb) is named after Ytterby, the Swedish village that has given its name to several elements. Its symbol “Yb” comes from the first two letters of its name. Ytterbium is found in rare earth minerals like xenotime and monazite and is used in atomic clocks, in improving the grain refinement in stainless steel, and in some types of lasers.
Lu
Lutetium (Lu) is named after Lutetia, the Latin name for Paris, where it was discovered. Its symbol “Lu” comes from the first two letters of its name. Lutetium is found in minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite and is one of the rarest and hardest of the rare earth elements. It is used in catalysts in petroleum refining, in medical PET scans as a scintillator, and in certain alloys.
The actinide (/ˈæktɪnaɪd/) or actinoid (/ˈæktɪnɔɪd/) series encompasses at least the 14 metallic chemical elements in the 5f series, with atomic numbers from 89 to 102, actinium through nobelium. (Number 103, lawrencium, is sometimes also included despite being part of the 6d transition series.) The actinide series derives its name from the first element in the series, actinium. The informal chemical symbol An is used in general discussions of actinide chemistry to refer to any actinide.
Ac
Actinium (Ac) gets its name from the Greek word aktinos, meaning ray or beam, referring to its intense radioactivity. Its symbol “Ac” reflects the first two letters of its name. Actinium is primarily found in uranium ores. It is used in radiation therapy for cancer treatment and as a neutron source.
Th
Thorium (Th) is named after Thor, the Norse god of thunder. Its symbol “Th” reflects the first two letters of its name. Thorium is found in minerals like monazite and is used in nuclear reactors as a potential alternative fuel to uranium. It was also historically used in gas mantles for lighting.
Pa
Protactinium (Pa) is named from the Greek word protos, meaning first, because it decays into actinium. Its symbol “Pa” reflects the first two letters of its name. Protactinium is found in uranium ores and is extremely rare and highly radioactive. It has no commercial uses due to its toxicity and scarcity but is of scientific interest for studying nuclear decay chains.
U
Uranium (U) is named after the planet Uranus. Its symbol “U” reflects the first letter of its name. Uranium is found in minerals such as uraninite and is primarily used as fuel in nuclear power plants and in the production of nuclear weapons. It also has some applications in glass coloring and scientific research.
Np
Neptunium (Np) is named after the planet Neptune, following the tradition of naming elements after celestial bodies. Its symbol “Np” is derived from the first two letters of its name. Neptunium is a synthetic element found in trace amounts in uranium ores and produced in nuclear reactors. It has no significant commercial uses but is used in scientific research and has potential applications in nuclear batteries.
Pu
Plutonium (Pu) is named after the dwarf planet Pluto, following the tradition of naming elements after celestial bodies. Its symbol “Pu” reflects the first two letters of its name. Plutonium is a synthetic element found in trace amounts in uranium ores and is produced in nuclear reactors. It is used primarily in nuclear weapons and as a fuel in nuclear power plants and in radioisotope thermoelectric generators for space missions.
Am
Americium (Am) was named after the Americas, where it was first synthesized. The symbol “Am” derives from the first two letters of its name. It is not found naturally but is produced in nuclear reactors. Americium is used in smoke detectors and industrial gauges that measure thickness or density.
Cm
Curium (Cm) was named in honor of Marie and Pierre Curie, pioneers in radioactivity research. Its symbol “Cm” reflects the first two letters of its name. Curium is a synthetic element, primarily produced in nuclear reactors. It has no major commercial uses but is used in scientific research and as a power source for space exploration devices through radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs).
Bk
Berkelium (Bk) was named after the University of California, Berkeley, where it was first synthesized. Its symbol “Bk” reflects the first two letters of its name. Berkelium does not occur naturally and is produced in nuclear reactors. It has no significant commercial uses but is studied for its properties and potential applications in scientific research and nuclear energy.
Cf
Californium (Cf) was named after the state of California and the University of California, Berkeley, where it was first synthesized. Its symbol “Cf” comes from the first two letters of its name. Californium is a synthetic element, produced in nuclear reactors. It is used in neutron radiography, as a neutron source for research, and in detecting gold and silver ores through neutron activation analysis.
Es
Einsteinium (Es) was named in honor of physicist Albert Einstein. Its symbol “Es” is taken from the first two letters of its name. Einsteinium is a synthetic element, produced in nuclear reactors, and is not found naturally. It has no commercial applications and is used mainly in scientific research, especially in the study of heavy elements and nuclear physics.
Fm
Fermium (Fm) was named in honor of Enrico Fermi, a key figure in nuclear physics. Its symbol “Fm” comes from the first two letters of its name. Fermium is a synthetic element that is not found in nature and is produced in nuclear reactors or during nuclear explosions. It has no practical commercial applications and is primarily used in scientific research.
Md
Mendelevium (Md) is named after Dmitri Mendeleev, the creator of the periodic table. Its symbol “Md” reflects the first two letters of his name. Mendelevium is a synthetic element and is not found in nature. It is produced in particle accelerators and has no practical applications due to its rarity and short half-life, being mainly of scientific interest in nuclear research.
No
Nobelium (No) was named in honor of Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and founder of the Nobel Prizes. Its symbol “No” reflects the first two letters of its name. Nobelium is a synthetic element produced in particle accelerators and does not occur naturally. It has no commercial applications and is primarily used in scientific research.
Lr
Lawrencium (Lr) was named after Ernest O. Lawrence, who invented the cyclotron, a type of particle accelerator. Its symbol “Lr” comes from the first two letters of his name. Lawrencium is a synthetic element and does not occur naturally. It is produced in particle accelerators and has no commercial applications due to its short half-life, being mainly of interest in scientific research into superheavy elements.
