While all chemical elements have proper names, some elements are commonly referred to using their abbreviated form, which includes their atomic number or symbol along with a numerical subscript or superscript to indicate the oxidation state or valence of the element.
For example, aluminum (Al) is an element with a proper name. However, in certain contexts, it may be abbreviated as Al(III) to indicate that it is in the +3 oxidation state. The Roman numeral III represents the charge or oxidation state of aluminum, indicating that it has lost three electrons in a chemical reaction.
This convention is often used when discussing the chemistry of transition metals and elements that can exhibit multiple oxidation states. It helps to provide specific information about the chemical behavior and properties of the element in a particular context.
It's important to note that while the abbreviated form with the oxidation state is commonly used in chemical discussions, it does not replace the proper name of the element. The proper names are universally recognized and used to identify the elements in most situations.