Chemical symbols are shorthand notations used to represent chemical elements. Each symbol consists of one or two letters, with the first letter always capitalized and the second letter, if present, in lowercase. For example, the symbol for hydrogen is H, while the symbol for oxygen is O. These symbols are standardized and recognized internationally, making it easier for scientists to communicate about elements and compounds. In addition to representing individual elements, chemical symbols can also be combined to form chemical formulas. For instance, the formula for water is H2O, indicating that each molecule contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. Understanding chemical symbols is essential for studying chemistry and understanding the composition of various substances.