The Uses of Elements Trivia Quiz

Answer: Yttrium

The chemical formula Y2O3 is the actual compound that is used in television tubes. Yttrium can also be used in laser systems.

Answer: Carbon

Cast iron is often used for cookware as it conducts heat so well.

Answer: Oxygen

O3 is the formula for the ozone layer. This oxygen compound helps filter out harmful ultraviolet rays. Oxygen is also used in liquid rocket fuels.

Answer: Sodium

High pressure sodium vapor lights are used because they are extremely bright, don't attract bugs, have a longer life and warm up more quickly than the old mercury vapor street lamps.

Answer: Alluminum

CDs are primarily made from polycarbonate, a type of plastic. Aluminum, or aluminium in some countries, forms a layer over the plastic.

Answer: Cesium

Cesium-133 (cesium with an atomic mass of 133 amu) is used for atomic clocks. Atomic clocks work by first changing the cesium to the gaseous state. Then, the cesium atoms travel at very high speed through two electromagnets. These magnets focus the cesium into beams of high and low energy states.

The ceium low energy state beams are sent to a chamber where they are exposed to radiant microwaves with very specific wavelengths. The atoms are then again heated and the low energy level atoms now increase energy. Again they pass through two electromagnets.

The high energy beam then passes through a hot wire and becomes electrically charged. Next, the atoms are sent to an electron multiplier. The resonance frequency of the cesium is found. This frequency is then put into a feedback control circuit.

The feedback circuit is connected to a crystal quartz oscillator. This makes a pulse exactly every second. This clocks are very accurate and not affected by outside variables(except relativity of course). Complicated system, huh?

Answer: Cobalt

Cobalt oxide or cobalt carbonate are used to create a really rich, dark, blue color - only a small amount is required and the resulting glass is attractive and collectable. There is evidence that the technique was used as long ago as 2000 BC.

Answer: Silicon

Silicon is used for photovoltaic cells because it will form a crystalline structure with its neighboring silicon atoms because it needs four valence electrons to become stable. Phosphorus is then added to the silicon because it has five valence electrons.

When the phosphorous combines with the silicon that leaves one electron not bonded. Therefore, when heat energy is applied to the cell, the free electrons travel around looking for an electron gap. This creates the electrical current.

Answer: Cadmium

Cadmium can be used along with nickel in batteries. These types of batteries are commonly found in watches.

Answer: Technetium

Technetium is used as a superconductor because, compared to other elements, it has a relatively high temperature at which it becomes superconductive. This means that is will carry electricity without any resistance(ohms).