Which of the following most likely explains why the chemical symbol for calcium is ca?
1. the symbol c was already used for carbon.
2. the element is named after the latin word for calcium.
3. the symbol was assigned by modern alchemists.
4. calcium is made of more than one type of atom.

The correct option is 2) The element is named after the Latin word for calcium.

Explanation:

Consider the provided statement.

The element calcium is discovered by Humphry Davy in 1808.

The name calcium is derived from the Latin word "calx".

The meaning of calx is lime.

Now consider the provided options.

By observing the provided options and above explanation it can be conclude that, the element is named after the Latin word for calcium.

Thus, the correct option is 2) The element is named after the Latin word for calcium.