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Tag: Chemical symbol

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What is the difference between Na and sodium in chemistry?

4 min read
The chemical symbol for sodium is 'Na', a fact dating back to the Latin name 'natrium'. Understanding the difference between Na and sodium is key in chemistry, as it distinguishes the elemental metal from its name and its charged ionic state, which have vastly different properties.

Where does potassium get K from? Unraveling the Element's Latin Roots

3 min read
The chemical symbol for potassium is K, an apparent inconsistency on the periodic table that has a rich linguistic history. The answer to where does potassium get K from involves a journey back to the element's Latin name, *kalium*, and a historical naming debate that took place in the early 19th century.

Is Ferrum the Same as Iron? A Definitive Guide

5 min read
The chemical symbol for iron, Fe, is derived from its ancient Latin name, *ferrum*. Therefore, ferrum and iron refer to the same chemical element (atomic number 26), but one is a Latin term and the other is its modern English name.