Need explanation -> Passing 'id' in a form / link_to

Just need some more inside information...

Sample Code from the AWDWR book.

<%= link_to ( image_tag( product.image_url ),
   { :action => :add_to_cart, :id => product },
   :method => :post,
   :confirm => "Are you sure?" ) %>

Why is my :id => symbol using 'product' and not 'product.id'

Is the :id symbol 'dual purpose' and used as a key for an id param AND
it also infers that the FIELD to 'get' from the product object is named
'id'?

Thanks.

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Sorry, posted here by mistake... reposting to rails forum.

Thanks.

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