Nomenclature Of Elements With Atomic Number

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.

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:

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.

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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) (correct) Ununseptium

4) Unnilseptium

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

Hence, the answer is the option (4).

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

1) Unnilquadium, Unq

2) (correct) 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) (correct) 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) (correct) 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]5f146 d17 s2 is :

1) Unnilbium

2)Unnilunium

3)Unnilquadium

4) (correct) Unniltrium

Solution: [Rn]5f146 d17 s2:86+14+1+2=103Lr
Atomi number =103
103= UnniltriumHence, the answer is the option (4).

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.