In classical chemical terminology, what is the Latin derived chemical name for the element Gold (symbol Au)?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to the historical naming of elements in chemistry. Many element symbols come from Latin names rather than modern English names. Gold is one such element, and its symbol Au does not match the English word gold. Knowing the Latin name helps students understand periodic table symbols and also appears in questions on chemical nomenclature and history of science.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The English name of the element is gold.
• The chemical symbol for gold in the periodic table is Au.
• Several Latin style names are given as options.
• We assume standard historical names used in chemistry.

Concept / Approach:
The symbol Au originates from the Latin word aurum, which was used in alchemical and early chemical literature for gold. Other metals such as silver (Ag from argentum) and iron (Fe from ferrum) also have Latin derived symbols. The options include names that sound similar to Latin words for different elements. We must identify which one corresponds to gold. Aurum is the traditional Latin name for gold, so that option is correct.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the symbol for gold. Gold has the chemical symbol Au in the periodic table. Step 2: Recall the Latin basis of Au. The symbol Au comes from the Latin word aurum. Step 3: Match the Latin name with options. Option C lists Aurum, which clearly corresponds to Au. Step 4: Verify that other options refer to different elements.

Verification / Alternative check:
In lists of element names and symbols, gold is shown as Au from aurum, silver as Ag from argentum, and iron as Fe from ferrum. The option Argentinum resembles argentum, which is connected to silver, not gold. The term ferrus resembles ferrum or ferrous, linked with iron. Selenium is a different non metallic element with symbol Se. Only aurum matches both the language and the symbol Au assigned to gold, confirming this choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option A: Argentinum suggests a relationship to argentum, the Latin name for silver, whose symbol is Ag, not Au. Option B: Ferrus looks like a variant of ferrum or the adjective ferrous, both connected to iron, which has the symbol Fe. Option D: Selenium is the English and Latin derived name for a different element with symbol Se and has nothing to do with gold.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes guess based on similarity to English words without recalling the link between symbols and Latin names. Another mistake is to confuse gold and silver because both are precious metals. Remembering a few popular Latin names, such as aurum for gold, argentum for silver, and ferrum for iron, helps in quickly answering such symbol related questions.

Final Answer:
The Latin derived chemical name for gold is Aurum.