Why do some elements have symbols that have nothing to do with their name?

Subject: Why do some elements have symbols that have nothing to do with their name?

Date: Fri Mar 10 17:44:15 2000
Posted by Brittani
Grade level: No grade entered. School: Westminster
City: Buckhead State/Province: GA Country: USA
Area of science: Science History
ID: 952731855.Sh

Message:


Certain elements, such as Potassium(K), have symbols that don't match 
their name. What is the origin of these different symbols?

Re: Why do some elements have symbols that have nothing to do with their name?

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