Nomenclature Of Elements With Atomic Number

Nomenclature Of Elements With Atomic Number

Shivani PooniaUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 05:58 PM IST

The IUPAC nomenclature system offers a globally consistent approach for naming elements and compounds based on their atomic structure—primarily the number of protons and neutrons—which promotes clear communication among scientists, educators, and researchers. Hydrogen (H), for example, has one proton, while helium (He) has two. Beyond elemental names, IUPAC defines rules for naming chemical compounds, enabling precise interpretation of molecular structures and reactions—an essential skill for fields such as medicine, environmental science, and pharmaceuticals.

Nomenclature Of Elements With Atomic Number
Nomenclature Of Elements With Atomic Number

Building on this, Mendeleev’s periodic table, introduced in 1869, organized elements by rising atomic weight and revealed repeating patterns in properties, leading him to leave gaps for then-undiscovered “eka‑elements.” His predictions for elements like gallium, scandium, and germanium were later validated, confirming the “periodic law.” Though hydrogen’s placement, isotopes, and certain weight-based anomalies posed challenges, the later shift to atomic‑number ordering (Moseley’s revision) resolved these issues.

Mastery of IUPAC nomenclature and periodic trends—especially for JEE Main, BITSAT, SRMJEE, WBJEE, BCECE—is vital for solving exam questions related to structure, bonding, and chemical behavior.

IUPAC proposed a system for naming elements with Z > 100. By using these rules as follows-

The names are derived by using roots for the three digits in an atomic number of the element and adding the ending-mum. The roots for the numbers are:

Digit

Name

Abbreviation

0

nil

n

1

un

u

2

bi

b

3

tri

t

4

quad

q

5

pent

p

6

hex

h

7

sept

s

8

oct

o

9

enn

e

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In some cases the names are shortened; bi ium and tri ium are shortened to bium and trium respectively, and enn nil is shortened to ennil.

The symbol for the element is made from the first letters of the roots which make up the name. The strange mixture of Latin and Greek roots has been chosen to ensure that the symbols are all different.

Nomenclature of Elements with Atomic Number Above 100

Atomic

Number

Name according to

IUPAC nomenclature

Symbol

IUPAC

Official Name

IUPAC

Symbol

101

Unnilunium

Unu

Mendelevium

Md

102

Unnilbium

Unb

Nobelium

No

103

Unniltrium

Unt

Lawrencium

Lr

104

Unnilquadium

Unq

Rutherfordium

Rf

105

Unnilpentium

Unp

Dubnium

Db

106

Unnilhexium

Unh

Seaborgium

Sg

107

Unnilseptium

Uns

Bohrium

Bh

108

Unniloctium

Uno

Hassium

Hs

109

Unnilennium

Une

Meitnerium

Mt

110

Ununnillium

Uun

Darmstadtium

Ds

111

Unununnium

Uuu

Roentgenium

Rg

112

Ununbium

Uub

Copernicium

Cn

113

Ununtrium

Uut

Nihonium

Nn

114

Ununquadium

Uuq

Flerovium

Fl

115

Ununpentium

Uup

Moscovium

Mc

116

Ununhexium

Uuh

Livermorium

Lv

117

Ununseptium

Uus

Tennessine

Ts

118

Ununoctium

Uuo

Oganesson

Og


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Solved Examples Based On Iupac Nomenclature and Notation of Elements

Example 1: What would be the IUPAC name of the element with atomic number 117?

1) Unnilennium

2) Ununbium

3) Ununseptium

4) Unnilseptium

Solution: The IUPAC name of the element with atomic number 117 is Ununseptium.

Hence, the answer is the option (3).

Example 2: What is the IUPAC name and symbol of the element with atomic number 149?

1) Unnilquadium, Unq

2) Unquadennium, Uqe

3) Unniloctium, Uno

4) Unnilennium, Une

Solution: The IUPAC name of an element with atomic number 149 is Unquadennium and its symbol is Uqe.

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Example 3: What is the first element with an atomic number greater than 100?

1) 101, Ununbium

2) 101, Unniltrium

3) 101, Unnilunium

4) 101, Unnilpentium

Solution: The first element with an atomic number greater than 100 is 101 and its IUPAC name is Unnilunium.

Hence, the answer is the option (3).

Example 4: The atomic number of the element unnilennium

1) 109

2) 102

3) 108

4) 119

Solution: The atomic number of the unnilennium is 109.

Word root: un - 1
nil - 0
biennium - 9

Hence, the answer is the option (1).

Example 5: The IUPAC nomenclature of an element with electronic configuration [Rn]5f146d17s2 is :

1) Unnilbium

2)Unnilunium

3)Unnilquadium

4) Unniltrium

Solution:

[Rn]5f146d17s2: 86+14+1+2 = 103 (Lr)
Atomic number =103
103= Unniltrium

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

Example 6: What would be the IUPAC name of the element with atomic number 119?

1) Unnilennium

2) Ununennium

3) Ununseptium

4) Unnilseptium

Solution: The IUPAC name of the element with atomic number 119 is Ununennium .

Hence, the answer is the option (2).

Practice more Questions from the link given below:

Conclusion

The IUPAC nomenclature and notation system plays a vital role in chemistry by providing a standardized method for naming and representing elements and compounds. By aligning each name and symbol with its atomic structure, it ensures clarity and precision in scientific communication. Moreover, IUPAC conventions apply not only to individual elements but also to a wide range of chemical compounds, helping to systematically classify molecular structures. This standardized approach simplifies the introduction of new chemicals—across pharmaceuticals, materials science, and other fields—by making their naming intuitive and understandable. Ultimately, familiarity with IUPAC nomenclature is essential for students and chemists alike, enabling them to effectively share discoveries, conduct meaningful research, and contribute to scientific advancement for society’s benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does the nomenclature of lanthanides and actinides differ from other elements?
A:
Lanthanides and actinides, also known as f-block elements, have a unique nomenclature pattern. Lanthanides are named after lanthanum, with many ending in "-ium". Actinides are named after actinium, also often ending in "-
Q: How do atomic orbitals relate to element nomenclature and the periodic table?
A:
While atomic orbitals don't directly influence element names, they play a crucial role in determining an element's position in the periodic table, which in turn affects nomenclature patterns. The periodic table is organized based on electron configurations, which are determined by atomic orbitals. This organization leads to elements with similar outer orbital structures being grouped together, often resulting in similar naming conventions within groups.
Q: What is the significance of element names ending in "-ium"?
A:
The "-ium" suffix is commonly used for metallic elements, particularly those discovered more recently. It serves as a standard ending for many element names, providing consistency in nomenclature. However, not all metals end in "-ium" (e.g., gold, silver), and some non-metals use this suffix (e.g., helium), reflecting the historical development of element naming conventions.
Q: How does the periodic table's structure reflect element nomenclature?
A:
The periodic table's structure closely reflects element nomenclature. Elements are arranged by increasing atomic number, which is fundamental to their identity and naming. The table's grouping of elements with similar properties (in columns) often corresponds to similarities in naming conventions (e.g., halogens, noble gases). The table's layout also helps in understanding the naming patterns of elements across periods and groups.
Q: Why are some element names controversial or subject to change?
A:
Element names can be controversial or subject to change due to disputes over discovery priority, cultural sensitivities, or evolving naming conventions. For example, element 104 was the subject of the "Transfermium Wars" naming dispute between American and Soviet scientists. Names may also change to better reflect modern values or to standardize nomenclature across the periodic table.
Q: What role does electron configuration play in element nomenclature?
A:
While electron configuration doesn't directly determine element names or symbols, it plays a crucial role in organizing elements in the periodic table, which influences nomenclature. Elements in the same group often have similar names (like halogens ending in "-ine" or noble gases ending in "-on") due to their similar outer electron configurations and chemical properties.
Q: How are elements with atomic numbers above 100 typically named?
A:
Elements with atomic numbers above 100 are typically named using a systematic approach. Their names are derived from their atomic numbers using specific prefixes for each digit (e.g., 'un' for 1, 'bi' for 2, 'tri' for 3, etc.) and the suffix '-ium'. For example, element 101 was temporarily called Unnilunium. Once officially recognized, they're given permanent names, often honoring scientists or places.
Q: Why is it important to have a standardized system for element nomenclature?
A:
A standardized system for element nomenclature is crucial for clear, unambiguous communication in chemistry worldwide. It ensures that scientists, educators, and students can refer to elements consistently, regardless of their native language or location. This standardization facilitates international collaboration, accurate documentation in research and industry, and effective teaching and learning of chemistry.
Q: What is the significance of element groups having similar name endings?
A:
Elements in the same group often have similar name endings to reflect their shared chemical properties. For example, halogens end in "-ine" (Fluorine, Chlorine), and noble gases end in "-on" (Neon, Argon). This naming convention helps chemists quickly identify an element's likely properties and behavior based on its name, facilitating prediction and understanding in chemistry.
Q: How do atomic mass and atomic number differ in their importance to element nomenclature?
A:
Atomic number is crucial in element nomenclature as it uniquely identifies each element and determines its position in the periodic table. Atomic mass, while important for understanding an element's properties, doesn't directly influence its name or symbol. However, atomic mass can be used to distinguish between isotopes of an element when necessary, using notations like ¹⁶O for oxygen-16.