Summary:
- A chemical symbol is a one- or two-letter designation of an element.
- The majority of elements have symbols that are based on their English names.
- Some of the elements that have been known since ancient times have symbols based on Latin names.
- Watch the following video to learn more about the origin of different element's symbols.
- The video also includes a quiz to test your knowledge of chemical symbols and formulas.
- The quiz is hosted by the University of California, San Diego, and is open to the public.