Fifty-One Quiz | By The Numbers

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. The element on the periodic table with the atomic number 51 is represented by the symbol Sb, and is described as toxic and a metalloid. What is its name?

Answer: Antimony

The symbol is derived from the Latin name for antimony, which is stibium. It is useful in the making of flame retardant materials and lead-acid batteries. China leads in the production of antimony, by a large margin.

The symbols for the incorrect choices are: mercury Hg, tin Sn and tungsten W.

2. I've always considered 1951 to be a very good year - after all, it is when I was born! Who amongst these famous people shares my year of birth?

Answer: Kurt Russell, actor

My first memories of Kurt Russell are from the TV series "The Travels of Jamie McPheeters" when he and I were both about twelve years old. He played the son of "Doc" McPheeters, played by Dan O'Herlihy and had many adventures as they travelled west by wagon train. Charles Bronson and a number of the Osmond brothers also appeared.

The other choices all share a 17 March birthday with Kurt, but in different decades. Kantner was born in 1941, Siemaszko in 1961 and Mueller in 1971.

3. Because not much hard evidence is ever forthcoming about the nature of projects undertaken in Area 51, it has become associated with tales of UFOs and other theories more suited to science fiction than to fact. In which American state can this mysterious place be found?

Answer: Nevada

This military airbase is located in the southern portion of Nevada and whatever testing or operations go on there are classified as secret, giving rise to speculation by some about UFOs, aliens and numerous conspiracy theories. Many films, TV series and even a video game have made reference to this aspect of Area 51.

4. In the animated movie "Planet 51" (2009), which "Monty Python" alumnus voices the professor who wants to study the 'alien' astronaut's brain?

Answer: John Cleese

The American astronaut who stumbles upon a planet of little green people is voiced by Dwayne Johnson. John Cleese provides the voice for Professor Kipple, and Gary Oldman is General Grawl.

The three incorrect choices were from the 1970s British TV programme "The Goodies", not "Monty Python's Flying Circus".

5. The 1931 French Grand Prix, held at Montlhery, was won by a car designated Type 51 made by which constructor? (Isadora Duncan is said to have favoured earlier models from the same manufacturer.)

Answer: Bugatti

The winning drive was shared by Louis Chiron and Achille Varzi, and was one of the few successful runs for the Type 51 Bugatti. The Bugatti in which Duncan famously died (by catching her scarf in the wheel) was either a Type 35 or Type 37, according to one Bugatti website.

6. The 51st Division of the British Army fought with distinction in both world wars. What word completes its title?

Answer: Highland

The 51st Highland Division took part in most of the major battles on the Western Front in the Great War, was nearly obliterated during the Fall of France in 1940, reformed and fought with distinction in North Africa, Sicily, Normandy and on into Germany in 1945. It was made up of battalions of the kilted regiments of the British army, with artillery and reconnaissance components.

7. What major Canadian city, site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, sits on the 51st parallel of latitude?

Answer: Calgary

Calgary is situated at almost the same latitude as London, England: the former at 51 degrees 3 minutes N, the latter at 51 degrees 30 minutes N. Vancouver hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics. Montreal was host to the 1976 Summer Olympics while Toronto was one venue for Football (Soccer) at the 1976 games.

8. After four years as the Triple A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, the Las Vegas 51s entered into a contract with a National League baseball club for the 2013 season. Which club?

Answer: New York Mets

Formerly known as the Las Vegas Stars, the 51s took their name from nearby Area 51 of UFO infamy. Playing in the Pacific Coast League, this minor league baseball team has been affiliated with the LA Dodgers and the San Diego Padres in the past. (The incorrect answers are all American League teams.)

9. Where was Edgar Schmued, designer of the P-51 Mustang, born?

Answer: Germany

Schmued was born in Hornbach, Germany in 1899. He was educated as an engineer and worked in Brazil before arriving in the United States, where he became a citizen in the between-the-world-wars years. He was working for North American Aviation when he designed the famous fighter aircraft.

10. If I were to pick up my telephone and dial the country code 51, what city might I be calling?

Answer: Lima, Peru

The country code for dialling Peru is 51, from wherever you might be outside Peru, and is dialled after your local international code and before the specific telephone number of the party you are calling. The country code for Australia is 61; Spain is 34; UK is 44.

Source: Author spanishliz

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor LeoDaVinci before going online.
Any errors found in FunTrivia content are routinely corrected through our feedback system.

Fifty-One Trivia Quiz

Here is my fifty-first quiz and it is all about the number 51! How original is that, eh?

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