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Wikipedia:Reference desk/Archives/Science/2024 September 21

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September 21

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Variables in chemistry?!

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I've seen the symbols M and X in chemistry, what do they mean? HAt 04:07, 21 September 2024 (UTC)[reply]

Well M could represent a metal, and X could represent a halogen in a chemical formula, eg NaX could be a halide salt of sodium. X is probably F, Cl, Br or I. Theoretically it could be At, but not in any visible amount. If the symbols are in italic text they may represent a number. Graeme Bartlett (talk) 06:04, 21 September 2024 (UTC)[reply]