Final answer:
A chemical symbol represents the A) name of an element.
Step-by-step explanation:
A chemical symbol is a shorthand representation of the name of an element, typically derived from its English or Latin name. It consists of one or two letters, with the first letter capitalized and, if applicable, the second letter in lowercase. For example, "H" represents hydrogen, "O" stands for oxygen, and "Na" represents sodium.
Chemical symbols are essential in chemical formulas and equations, providing a concise way to denote elements. They play a crucial role in communication within the field of chemistry, facilitating the representation and understanding of the composition of compounds and reactions.