Elemental Errors? Trivia Quiz

Sodium (Na) - Atomic number 11

Sodium is a soft, silvery metal that belongs to the alkali group and reacts vigorously with water and air. It plays a vital role in biological systems, especially in maintaining fluid balance and nerve signaling. Because of its high reactivity, sodium is never found in its pure form in nature but is commonly present in compounds like table salt.

Its chemical symbol 'Na' comes from the Latin term 'natrium,' itself derived from 'natron,' a natural mineral salt.

Potassium (K) - Atomic number 19

Potassium is another highly reactive alkali metal essential for life, particularly for muscle function and nerve impulses. It is abundant in minerals and widely consumed in foods such as bananas and potatoes.

The symbol 'K' is derived from the Latin word 'kalium,' which is derived from the Arabic term 'al-qalyah,' meaning 'plant ashes.'

Tungsten (W) - Atomic number 74

Tungsten is a dense, durable metal recognized for having the highest melting point among all metals, making it indispensable for applications like cutting tools and light bulb filaments. Its symbol 'W' originates from the German word 'Wolfram,' a name with an interesting origin.

This descriptive name was given due to the metal's ability to consume significant amounts of tin during extraction, much like the wolf is said to consume sheep. This tendency to 'eat' tin during extraction is what led to the creation of the term 'wolfram.'

Tungsten, on the other hand, has its roots in Swedish. The name comes from the Swedish words 'tung' and 'sten,' which means 'heavy stone.'

Iron (Fe) - Atomic number 26

Iron is a strong, malleable metal that forms the backbone of modern infrastructure and tools. It is the primary component of steel and is essential for biological processes, particularly in hemoglobin for oxygen transport in blood. Iron is abundant in the Earth's crust and widely used in construction and manufacturing.

The symbol 'Fe' comes from the Latin word 'ferrum,' meaning 'iron.'

Copper (Cu) - Atomic number 29

Copper is a reddish-brown metal known for its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It has been used by humans for thousands of years in tools, coins, and wiring. Copper also plays a vital role in biological systems as a trace element necessary for enzyme function.

Its symbol 'Cu' is derived from the Latin term 'cuprum,' which originally referred to metal from Cyprus.

Silver (Ag) - Atomic number 47

Silver is a lustrous, precious metal valued for its beauty and high electrical conductivity. It is commonly used in jewelry, coins, electronics, and photography. Silver also has antimicrobial properties, making it useful in medical applications.

The symbol 'Ag' comes from the Latin word 'argentum,' meaning 'silver.'

Gold (Au) - Atomic number 79

Gold is a dense, yellow metal prized for its rarity, durability, and resistance to corrosion. It has been a symbol of wealth and status for millennia and is widely used in jewelry, currency, and electronics due to its excellent conductivity and stability.

Its symbol 'Au' originates from the Latin word 'aurum,' meaning 'gold.'

Mercury (Hg) - Atomic number 80

Mercury is a unique metal that is liquid at room temperature. It has been historically used in thermometers, barometers, and industrial processes, though its toxicity has led to reduced usage. Mercury occurs naturally in cinnabar ore and is notable for forming amalgams with other metals.

The symbol 'Hg' comes from the Latin term 'hydrargyrum,' meaning 'water-silver.'

Lead (Pb) - Atomic number 82

Lead is a dense, soft metal with a bluish-gray appearance. It has been used in pipes, paints, and batteries, though its toxicity has led to strict regulations. Lead is highly resistant to corrosion and easily shaped, making it historically useful in construction.

Its symbol 'Pb' is derived from the Latin word 'plumbum,' meaning 'lead.'

Tin (Sn) - Atomic number 50

Tin is a silvery-white metal known for its resistance to corrosion. It is commonly used to coat other metals to prevent rust and is a key component in alloys like bronze and solder. Tin has been utilized since ancient times for tools and decorative objects.

The symbol 'Sn' comes from the Latin word 'stannum,' meaning 'tin.'

Antimony (Sb) - Atomic number 51

Antimony is a brittle, silvery metalloid often used in alloys to improve hardness and strength. It is also employed in flame retardants, batteries, and semiconductors. Antimony compounds have been known since antiquity for medicinal and cosmetic purposes.

Its symbol 'Sb' originates from the Latin term 'stibium,' referring to a mineral form of antimony.