What is the chemical symbol for gold?

The correct choice for the chemical symbol for gold is Au. This symbol comes from the Latin name for gold, which is "aurum." In the periodic table of elements, each element is represented by a unique one- or two-letter symbol, with 'Au' specifically representing gold, distinguishing it from other elements.

Understanding how symbols are derived can help clarify why Au is the correct answer. For instance, Ag refers to silver, derived from "argentum," while Pt stands for platinum from "platina." This highlights that elemental symbols often come from their historical or Latin names, reinforcing Au's identity as gold.