Chemists use symbols and formulae to represent 
elements, ions and compounds.

Word equations and balanced chemical equations 
shows the changes that happen in chemical reaction.

Chemical symbols

Each element is represented by its own chemical symbol.
A chemical symbol:

• Consists of one or two letters
• Always starts with a capital letter,
• The second letter in lower case.

Na is the symbol for Sodium

 For example, the element Gold is shown as Au .

 Do not show it as AU, au or aU.

The periodic table shows the names and symbols of 

the elements. 

Elements are arranged into groups that share 

similar characteristics. 

Groups are numbered from 1 to 7, then 0.

Metals are found on the left and 

Non-metals are found on the right.

Each box in the periodic table contains the chemical symbol for an element