Question

why do some elements have symbols that do not match their names?

Answer 1

Explanation:

In the spirit of compromise, an element's name might come from one language, and its symbol from another. That's the case with tungsten. Its symbol is W, says Kean, “because the Germans call the element 'wolfram. ' It was a compromise between different countries' claims.”

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Answer 2

Explanation:

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In the spirit of compromise, an element's name might come from one language, and its symbol from another. That's the case with tungsten. Its symbol is W, says Kean, “because the Germans call the element 'wolfram. ' It was a compromise between different countries' claims.”