Elementary elements Trivia Quiz

Answer: Sulphur

Sulphur is a non metal. Its atomic number is 16 and mass number is 32. It is represented by S. It is insoluble in water but soluble in carbon disulphide. It is used to manufacture matches and is also used in dyes and colour industries.

Answer: Oxygen

Oxygen is the most essential gas for living things. It was discovered by Joseph Priestley in 1774. It constitutes about 46% of the crust and upper mantle of the earth by mass. Oxygen, in the form of ozone, helps to protect us from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.

Answer: Potassium

The symbol of potassium comes from the Latin name of Kalium. Potassium is a highly reactive metal and is a very soft metal, which can be cut by knife. Its atomic number is 19. It is an alkali metal whose oxide is soluble in water.

Answer: Iron

The chemical symbol of iron is Fe which comes from its Latin name of ferrum. It is the fourth most abundant element found in the earth's crust. Iron has been used by humans since around 1200 BCE in parts of Europe and the Middle East. Its alloys are used to make utensils, railway tracks and electric wires.

Answer: Hydrogen

Hydrogen is the most abundant element found in this universe, with an atomic number of 1. An atom of hydrogen contains only one proton and one electron. Henry Cavendish discovered hydrogen in 1766. Liquid hydrogen can be used as rocket fuel. Vegetable ghee can also be made by the hydrogenation of vegetable oil.

Answer: Platinum

Platinum is the least reactive metal and is classed as a noble metal, along with silver, gold, palladium and others. It is used in making ornaments, jewellery and laboratory equipment and devices.

Answer: Sodium

Sodium is a highly reactive element with the atomic number 11. It is an alkali metal which is white in colour. It was discovered by Henry Cavendish. Sodium vigorously reacts with air so needs to be kept in kerosene to prevent this reaction.

Answer: Carbon

Diamond is an allotrope of carbon which is very hard. It is a precious gem. Pure diamond is transparent and can refract light rays. The best examples are used to make jewellery, while, impure diamond can be used in making glass cutting devices.

Answer: Mercury

Mercury is a metal which is liquid at room temperature. Mercury is extracted from its ore, cinnabar. It is used in making thermometers and barometers. Mercury is a bad conductor of electricity and is a very dense metal. Even iron floats on it.

Answer: Silver

Silver is a noble metal. It is shining white in colour. Silver is used in making jewellery, utensils and coins. Its chemical symbol is Ag, from the Latin name argentum.