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Elemental Biographies Trivia Quiz

Sure, you know the symbols, and you know the atomic numbers, but can you identify the following elements based on their interesting backgrounds?

A multiple-choice quiz by LadyCaitriona. Estimated time: 4 mins.

Author
LadyCaitriona

Time
4 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
49,767

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
5

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
3 / 5

Plays
2532

Last 3 plays: PurpleComet (5/5), Guest 4 (1/5), Guest 157 (2/5).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 5

1. This element was discovered in 1807 in London. It is essential to all living things. In water, it reacts rapidly to release hydrogen, and burns with a lilac-coloured flame. Hint

Calcium

Potassium

Iron

Magnesium

NEXT>

Question 2 of 5

2. This element is considered dangerous in all its forms. It takes its name from the planet whose name is equivalent to the Greek god, Hermes. Hint

Plutonium

Neptunium

Krypton

Mercury

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Question 3 of 5

3. This element was discovered in 1811 in Paris, France. It comes as bluish-black, shiny crystals that dissolve in alcohol, the result of which is sold as an antiseptic solution. Hint

Hydrogen Peroxide

Iodine

Magnesium

Gallium

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Question 4 of 5

4. This radioactive element was discovered in 1964 in Dubna, Russia, and is not a naturally-occurring element. Only a few atoms have ever been made, and it is of research interest only. Hint

Rutherfordium

Dysprosium

Californium

Uranium

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Question 5 of 5

5. The well-known name for this element comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "seolfur," although its chemical symbol is derived from its Latin name. Hint

Silicon

Sulphur

Silver

Stannum

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Most Recent Scores

Apr 11 2024 : PurpleComet: 5/5
Apr 10 2024 : Guest 4: 1/5
Apr 07 2024 : Guest 157: 2/5
Mar 31 2024 : Guest 78: 2/5
Mar 27 2024 : Guest 1: 4/5
Mar 26 2024 : Guest 165: 3/5
Mar 22 2024 : Guest 74: 3/5
Mar 22 2024 : LightninBug: 4/5
Mar 21 2024 : Guest 104: 3/5

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. This element was discovered in 1807 in London. It is essential to all living things. In water, it reacts rapidly to release hydrogen, and burns with a lilac-coloured flame.

Answer: Potassium

Discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy.

2. This element is considered dangerous in all its forms. It takes its name from the planet whose name is equivalent to the Greek god, Hermes.

Answer: Mercury

Mercury's chemical symbol is "Hg" which is from the Latin word "hydrargyrum," literally meaning "liquid silver."

3. This element was discovered in 1811 in Paris, France. It comes as bluish-black, shiny crystals that dissolve in alcohol, the result of which is sold as an antiseptic solution.

Answer: Iodine

While Hydrogen Peroxide is an antiseptic, it is the chemical compound H2O2 and not an element.

4. This radioactive element was discovered in 1964 in Dubna, Russia, and is not a naturally-occurring element. Only a few atoms have ever been made, and it is of research interest only.

Answer: Rutherfordium

Named for the New Zealand physicist and chemist, Lord Rutherford.

5. The well-known name for this element comes from the Anglo-Saxon word "seolfur," although its chemical symbol is derived from its Latin name.

Answer: Silver

Oooooh this was a tricky one! "Seolfur" is the Anglo-Saxon word for Silver, not Sulphur. The hint is the difference between the common name and the symbol. Sulphur is just S, while the symbol for silver is Ag, from the Latin "argentum." :)

Source: Author LadyCaitriona

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor rossian before going online.
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