What problems could arise if every scientist used different symbols for the same element?
If every scientist used different symbols for the same element, it would cause severe communication problems. The primary purpose of chemical symbols is to be internationally recognised, allowing scientists worldwide to share and understand findings clearly without any language barriers.
Without a standard system approved by organizations like IUPAC, using different symbols would lead to widespread confusion. It would make the study of chemistry difficult, as scientists would struggle to identify elements, understand chemical formulas, or replicate experiments, defeating the need for a standard way to represent elements.
Explanation
The textbook highlights that symbols are used because they are internationally recognised and allow scientists to communicate clearly regardless of language barriers. If different symbols were used for the same element, this universal clarity would be lost. The IUPAC approves names and symbols to maintain a standard way of representing elements, which John Dalton originally realised was necessary to make the study of chemistry easier.