Answer – The chemical symbol for gold is Au.
Explanation:
All elements on the periodic table are represented by chemical symbols, which are shorthand 1- or 2-letter notations unique to each element. The more recently synthesized or yet-to-be synthesized elements have temporary three-letter symbols assigned to them before the two-letter ones.
Many elements known today have chemical symbols that were obtained from their English names. However, the 7 known metals of the 18th century BC (which were recognized by alchemists) had their symbols derived from Latin. These metals are lead, iron, tin, copper, silver, mercury, and gold.
Thus, the chemical symbol for gold is Au and is derived from its Latin name Aurum. The word translates to “morning glow” or “shining dawn,” which is how the element appears to the eye.
The word gold, however, came from ancient Germanic languages much later and literally means “the yellow, shining metal.” It is derived from the Proto-Germanic gulþ, which in turn came from Proto-Indo-European ghel, meaning “to gleam” or “to be yellow.”
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