Quiz on the Elements

Answer: transition metals

As with all metals, the transition elements are both ductile and malleable, and conduct electricity and heat. The interesting thing about transition metals is that their valence electrons, or the electrons they use to combine with other elements, are present in more than one shell. This is the reason why they often exhibit several common oxidation states.

Answer: alkali metals

Answer: salt-forming

Answer: their outer shell of electrons is full

These elements were considered to be inert gases until the 1960s, because their oxidation number of 0 prevents the noble gases from forming compounds readily. However, molecule-ions have been detected, either noble gas only compounds or noble gase-halogen compounds.

Answer: tellurium

Workmen exposed to as little as 0.01 mg/cubic meter of air, or less, develop "tellurium breath," which has a garlic-like odor.

Answer: hydrogen

In the 1930's, the US was the only producer of helium, which is lighter than air at standard temperatures and pressures. Germany had asked to purchase some for their fleet of airships, but the US was wary of what use they could put it to. Instead, Germany used hydrogen gas, which is lighter than helium, but highly reactive, as opposed to the basically inert helium.

Answer: Mercury

Tellurium is after the Latin word 'tellus', which means Earth. Phosphorus is after the Greek name for the morning star, which is actually the planet Venus. Uranium and Neptunium are named directly from the planets Uranus and Neptune. Both Mercury the planet and mercury the element were named for the Roman god.

Answer: Sweden

The mine in Ytterby, on the Swedish island of Resaro, was the source for yttrium, erbium and ytterbium, among others.

Answer: Tungsten

Tungsten is used as the filament in incandescent light bulbs.

Answer: Nitrogen

It composes 78 percent of the atmosphere at ground level (as N2). Oxygen, as O2, composes 21 percent. All other gases, elemental or compounds, compose the remaining 1 percent.