Final answer:
The statement regarding a chemical symbol being a one- or two-letter abbreviation for a chemical element is true. These symbols are a shorthand for elements, such as 'O' for oxygen or 'Fe' for iron, and are crucial for anyone studying chemistry.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a chemical symbol is a one- or two-letter abbreviation for a chemical element is true. Chemical symbols provide a concise way to represent elements in scientific writings and discussions. For instance, the symbol 'O' stands for oxygen, while 'Zn' represents zinc. The first letter of a chemical symbol is always capitalized, and if there is a second letter, it is lowercase.
Elements that have been known for a long time often have symbols derived from their Latin names. For example, the symbol for iron is 'Fe', which comes from its Latin name 'ferrum'. It is important for those studying chemistry to become familiar with the chemical symbols of the elements, most of which you can find on the periodic table.