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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
2565

Last 3 plays: Guest 76 (1/5), Guest 99 (1/5), cjmilstead (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

Mercury

Krypton

Neptunium

NEXT>

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

Gallium

Hydrogen Peroxide

Iodine

Magnesium

NEXT>

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

Californium

Uranium

Dysprosium

Rutherfordium

NEXT>

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

Sulphur

Silver

Stannum

Silicon

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Most Recent Scores

Nov 21 2024 : Guest 76: 1/5
Nov 20 2024 : Guest 99: 1/5
Nov 06 2024 : cjmilstead: 2/5
Oct 11 2024 : Guest 62: 2/5
Sep 27 2024 : glenjue: 5/5

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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