Chemical Symbol:
* Represents a single element. Think of it like a shorthand code for an atom of that element.
* One or two letters. The first letter is always capitalized, and the second, if present, is lowercase (e.g., H for hydrogen, He for helium, Na for sodium).
* Example: H, O, C, Fe, Au
Chemical Formula:
* Represents a compound or molecule. It shows the types of atoms present and their ratios within that compound.
* Can have one or more symbols. The subscripts following each symbol indicate the number of atoms of that element in the molecule (e.g., H₂O for water, CO₂ for carbon dioxide).
* Example: H₂O, CO₂, NaCl (sodium chloride), C₆H₁₂O₆ (glucose)
In simpler terms:
* Symbol: The building block, representing a single element.
* Formula: The blueprint, showing how those building blocks (elements) are put together to form a compound.
