Alphabetic Chemistry

Like it or not, chemistry is an important science. Even though remembering chemical symbols was a nightmare, we should at least know that NaCl means table salt.

What did you say? It's commonplace? Well, can you tell what the following symbols means then?

HIJKLMNO

Not big enough? Afraid of font tricks? Here is the same symbol, bigger in size and written in another font:

HIJKLMNO

Hint: Read the symbol the way the title says.

Below is a box with the answer. Highlight the text by dragging your mouse cursor over it to read it. But, please make sure that you have given it a thought before doing so.

An article in New Scientist criticized public's lack of chemistry knowledge after someone called this substance "dihydroxy monoxide".

The substance is better known as water.

Explanation:
HIJKLMNO lists the alphabet from H to O.
In other words, H to O.
Taking the same sound, H2O.
This is the chemical symbol of water.
And we have the answer! Ta-daaaaaaah!

Credits:

I got the question from my physics teacher, Mr Andrew Davis.
I classified this question as "stupid and foolish", until rainy season came, forcing me to pass the Communal Hall of Sheares Hall on my way to most of my lectures. There is a vending machine with a big "H two O" on one side of the communal hall. Seeing the vending machine numerous of times convinced me that this question is not "stupid and foolish" after all.
So, thanks to the people installing the vending machine there, this anecdote was written.

Any follow-ups, comments or objections to the anecdote?
Contact me: at comp dot nus dot edu dot sg with dennyisk before the at

Last edited: Wednesday, 4 July 2001

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