Question

how did berzelius assign symbols to the elements?

Answer 1

A symbol is defined as an short hand sign or abbreviation for the representation of an elements.

J.J Berzelius suggested that symbols of  the elements can be written by English names.

1. For most of the elements , the first alphabet in the name of element is written in capital form and is taken as symbol for that element.

For eg: Oxygen –O

Sulphur --S

Carbon -- C

2. For some elements, the first letter written in capital form and next prominent letter written in smaller form the name of element is taken as  its symbol.

Eg: Nickel : Ni

Neon--Ne

Calcium- Ca

Silicon- Si

Chromium-Cr

3. later Some elements were named on Latin name

For example:

Potassium - Latin Name - Kalium- K

Sodium- Latin Name- Natrium- Na

Gold- Aurum-Au

Silver-- Argentum- Ag

4. Some elements were represented based on country name, planet name or scientist names

For example:

Element- Bhorium- Scientist name - Bohr- Symbol- Bh

Element - Mendelevium- Scientist name- Mendeleev - Symbol- Md

Element - Indium--Country name- India- symbol- In

Element - francium- Country name- France- Fr

Element - Plutonium-Planet name- Pluto

Answer 2

Berzelius adopted a system by which he abbreviated the Latin names of elements with one or two letters and applied superscripts to designate the number of atoms of each element present in the acidic and basic ingredients. The same system is followed to this day, except that instead of superscripts we use subscripts.