Glorious Chemistry for Kids! Trivia Quiz

Answer: Groups

When the periodic table was set up, it was organised so that a period of elements moved across the table from left to right and a group moved from top to bottom. If you study chemistry to a moderately advanced level, you will be taught the reasons for this. A Russian man named Mendeleev devised the table.

Answer: Alkali

This is one of the first general chemical equations you will learn as a chemistry student! Acid + Alkali (or base) --> Salt + Water. For all you eager young scientists, an acid has a pH of less than 7 (7 is the pH of neutral compounds) whilst an alkali has a pH greater than 7.

Answer: Mole

The mole is one the seven SI units used in science. The other six are: the metre, the kilogram, the second, the ampere, the kelvin and the candela. If you are confused, it would be an interesting research topic for you! Why couldn't they use the name of an animal that sounds nicer than the word mole?

Answer: Liquid

Vapour is another word for gas. Solids, liquids and gases are not just important in chemistry, they are important in all aspects of science. Evaporation is when a substance goes from being a liquid to a gas. Condensation is when a substance goes from being a gas to a liquid.

There are two further states of matter which you may or may not later learn about during your education. They are plasma and Einstein-Bose condensate. Just some extra knowledge for all you budding young scientists!

Answer: Sublimation

Sublimation is where the liquid phase is skipped and a solid substance can be changed straight into a gas. It can also work in the reverse direction - from a gas straight into a solid. A common example of sublimation in action is when dry ice "melts" - it goes straight from being in a solid state to being vaporous.

Answer: Blazon

Protons and neutrons are both found in what is called the nucleus (centre) of an atom whilst whizzing around it are the much smaller electrons. Everything, from you to the planet Jupiter, is made up of these tiny particles called atoms!
For those interested, a blazon is actually a coat of arms.

Answer: Carbonate

Elements can be metals or non-metals. Hydrogen is a non-metal and is the simplest of all known elements. Gold and silver are both precious metals. Carbonate (CO3=) is not an element because it has both carbon and oxygen atoms in it, which makes it a compound.

Answer: Safety goggles

Goggles (also known as safety glasses) are essential! When you get to college and university level, lab coats become essential as well. In school you should always be very careful using chemicals and always listen to your chemistry teacher's instructions! Remember, no one is invincible. Chemicals can be dangerous, so wearing goggles could save your eyesight!

Answer: Tell a teacher and wash your hands immediately.

If you spill some acid on your hand, don't just wipe it off with your sleeve because that could damage your clothing and if you do nothing it could cause you harm (acids cause burns!). Now, technically throwing alkali on it will neutralise the substance but alkali can also be dangerous to have on your skin, since they can burn your skin too. You MUST tell your teacher and rinse your hand straight away under running water. Generally, for younger people the concentrations of the chemicals are very weak and won't be too dangerous, but be prepared just to be on the safe side.

Answer: Rotten eggs

The chemical formula for hydrogen sulphide is H2S. This substance is responsible for a lot of the foul smells that come out of the chemistry lab. Though, sometimes you can have the most wonderful of smells. Esters smell like perfume and are also used in yummy pear drops!

I hope you enjoyed this chemistry quiz!