<P> Chemical symbols are understood internationally when element names might require translation . There have sometimes been differences in the past . For example, Germans in the past have used "J" (for the alternate name Jod) for iodine, but now use "I" and "Iod". </P> <P> The first letter of a chemical symbol is always capitalized, as in the preceding examples, and the subsequent letters, if any, are always lower case (small letters). Thus, the symbols for californium and einsteinium are Cf and Es . </P> <P> There are also symbols in chemical equations for groups of chemical elements, for example in comparative formulas . These are often a single capital letter, and the letters are reserved and not used for names of specific elements . For example, an "X" indicates a variable group (usually a halogen) in a class of compounds, while "R" is a radical, meaning a compound structure such as a hydrocarbon chain . The letter "Q" is reserved for "heat" in a chemical reaction . "Y" is also often used as a general chemical symbol, although it is also the symbol of yttrium . "Z" is also frequently used as a general variable group . "E" is used in organic chemistry to denote an electron - withdrawing group or an electrophile; similarly "Nu" denotes a nucleophile . "L" is used to represent a general ligand in inorganic and organometallic chemistry . "M" is also often used in place of a general metal . </P> <P> At least two additional, two - letter generic chemical symbols are also in informal usage, "Ln" for any lanthanide element and "An" for any actinide element . "Rg" was formerly used for any rare gas element, but the group of rare gases has now been renamed noble gases and the symbol "Rg" has now been assigned to the element roentgenium . </P>

What is real chemical element in periodic table