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Quizzes > High School Quizzes > Science

Periodic Table Symbols Practice Quiz

Boost your chemical and element symbol skills

Difficulty: Moderate
Grade: Grade 8
Study OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art depicting a trivia quiz on chemical symbols for high school chemistry students.

This periodic table quiz helps you practice elements and symbols and catch easy mix-ups, from one-letter to two-letter symbols, so each symbol sticks. Work through 20 quick questions to check gaps for class or a test at a high school level.

Easy
What is the chemical symbol for Oxygen?
Ox
Oy
O
Og
O is the standard chemical symbol for Oxygen. The symbol is derived from the element's English name and is widely recognized on the periodic table.
Which element is represented by the symbol H?
Hafnium
Hydrogen
Helium
Holmium
H is the chemical symbol for Hydrogen. Helium is denoted by He, so it is important to distinguish between the two.
What is the chemical symbol for Carbon?
Ca
C
Cr
Cb
C is the correct chemical symbol for Carbon, one of the most fundamental elements in organic chemistry. Its simplicity makes it one of the easiest symbols to remember.
What element has the symbol Na?
Nitrogen
Sodium
Neon
Nickel
Na is the symbol for Sodium, which originates from the Latin name 'Natrium'. Recognizing Latin roots in element names is key to understanding chemical symbols.
Which element's symbol is Fe?
Iron
Francium
Fluorine
Fermium
Fe stands for Iron on the periodic table, derived from its Latin name 'Ferrum'. This connection is a classic example of non-intuitive chemical symbols.
Medium
Which element is represented by the symbol Au?
Gold
Copper
Silver
Aluminum
Au is the chemical symbol for Gold, which is derived from the Latin word 'Aurum.' Recognizing such Latin origins makes it easier to remember the symbol.
What is the chemical symbol for Potassium?
Pt
Po
P
K
K is the chemical symbol for Potassium, originating from the Latin word 'Kalium.' This is a common example of a symbol that does not match the English name.
Which element has a symbol that does not match its English name, originating from its Latin nomenclature?
Carbon
Sodium
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Sodium is represented by the symbol Na, from its Latin name 'Natrium.' This discrepancy between its English name and symbol is a classic example in chemistry.
What is the chemical symbol for Nitrogen?
Nt
N
Ng
Ni
N is the correct chemical symbol for Nitrogen. Its symbol is directly derived from its name, making it straightforward for students to remember.
Which of the following elements is a noble gas with the chemical symbol Ne?
Neon
Nitrogen
Nickel
Selenium
Neon is the noble gas represented by the symbol Ne. Noble gases are known for their inert properties due to having complete electron shells.
The element represented by the symbol Pb is commonly known as what?
Platinum
Potassium
Phosphorus
Lead
Pb is the chemical symbol for Lead, which comes from its Latin name 'Plumbum.' Recognizing these derivations is essential for a deeper understanding of the periodic table.
Which element is represented by the symbol Ag?
Silver
Gold
Aluminum
Argon
Ag is the symbol for Silver, derived from the Latin word 'Argentum.' This is a classic example of how chemical symbols often have historical roots.
What is the chemical symbol for Calcium?
Co
Cl
Ca
C
Ca is the chemical symbol for Calcium, taken from the first two letters of its name. This simple abbreviation is a standard convention in chemistry.
Which element has the symbol Si and is crucial for the semiconductor industry?
Samarium
Silicon
Scandium
Sulfur
Si stands for Silicon, an essential element used in computer chips due to its semiconductor properties. Its application in technology underscores its importance in modern chemistry.
What is the chemical symbol for Magnesium?
Mg
Ma
Mc
M
Mg is the correct chemical symbol for Magnesium, derived directly from its name. This makes it one of the more straightforward examples on the periodic table.
Hard
Which chemical symbol represents the element derived from the Latin name 'Natrium'?
Ni
Np
No
Na
Na is the chemical symbol for Sodium, with its origin traced back to the Latin name 'Natrium.' Understanding this historical naming convention is important in mastering chemical symbols.
Which element is represented by the symbol 'W', despite its English name not beginning with that letter?
Wismuth
Wolfram
Tungsten
Tantalum
Tungsten is represented by the symbol 'W' because its alternative name, Wolfram, influenced its abbreviation. This non-intuitive symbol is a common point of confusion and an important detail to remember.
Which element's symbol is 'Hg' and what is its common name?
Hydrogen
Holmium
Mercury
Hafnium
Hg is the chemical symbol for Mercury, derived from the Latin 'hydrargyrum', meaning 'liquid silver.' This non-intuitive symbol is vital to recognize when studying the periodic table.
Which of the following pairs correctly matches an element with its chemical symbol?
Tin - Ti
Iron - Ir
Silver - Si
Lead - Pb
Lead is correctly paired with the symbol Pb, which comes from its Latin name 'Plumbum.' The other pairs do not accurately reflect the standard abbreviations found on the periodic table.
Which element's symbol does not match the first letter of its common English name, being represented as 'Sn'?
Sodium
Silicon
Sulfur
Tin
Tin is denoted by the symbol 'Sn,' which is derived from its Latin name 'Stannum.' This difference between its English name and symbol is a classic example of the historical influences in chemical nomenclature.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify chemical symbols for common elements.
  2. Apply periodic table knowledge to match elements with their symbols.
  3. Analyze the relationships between element names and their abbreviations.
  4. Utilize quiz strategies to enhance test preparation and exam performance.
  5. Evaluate understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts related to the periodic table.

Periodic Table Quiz: Elements & Symbols Cheat Sheet

  1. Learn element symbols - Each element on the periodic table has a unique one- or two-letter symbol usually derived from its English or Latin name. Recognizing these symbols is the first step to fluently read and write chemical formulas. Practice matching symbols like H for Hydrogen or Na (natrium) for Sodium to their names.
  2. Master the first 20 elements - The first 20 elements form the core foundation for most basic chemical reactions and equations you'll encounter. Knowing these like He (Helium), Li (Lithium), and Be (Beryllium) helps you decode molecule formulas faster. Regular review of this set makes more complex chemistry feel like a breeze.
  3. Use mnemonic devices - A fun phrase like "Hi He Likes Beer But Could Not Offer Full Nine Nice Mangoes" can turn dry memorization into a catchy tune in your head. These little memory hacks glue the symbols to their names, making recall during tests effortless. Plus, creating your own mnemonics can be a creative way to deepen your learning.
  4. Know the Latin roots - Some symbols don't match English names because they come from Latin: Fe for ferrum (Iron) and Au for aurum (Gold), for example. Spotting these oddballs helps avoid mix‑ups when reading advanced chemistry texts. It's like cracking a secret code that opens doors to deeper understanding.
  5. Practice with flashcards - Regularly writing out element symbols on flashcards is a proven brain workout that cements information in your long‑term memory. Flip through them during study breaks or on your commute to keep your recall sharp. This active review method makes symbol recognition almost instant.
  6. Spot transition metals - Transition metals like Cu (Copper), Ag (Silver), and Zn (Zinc) pop up often in reactions, so give them extra attention. Knowing these common players helps you balance equations and predict reaction products with confidence. Colorful charts and periodic tables on your wall can keep them top of mind.
  7. Embrace the universal language - Element symbols are the same everywhere in the world, letting scientists from Tokyo to Toronto communicate seamlessly. Once you've learned them, you've unlocked a global code shared by chemists of all languages. It's like joining an international club of element sleuths!
  8. Sing it out loud - Turning element symbols into songs or rhymes taps into musical memory, making facts stick in a fun, sing‑along way. Try finding playlists or creating your own periodic table jingle to keep study sessions lively. Music engages different brain pathways, boosting recall under exam pressure.
  9. Beware historical quirks - Some symbols like Pb for Lead (plumbum) and K for Potassium (kalium) come from old names, not English. Spotting these exceptions makes you feel like a chemistry detective on a linguistic treasure hunt. Digging into their backstories adds extra fun to your studies.
  10. Test yourself regularly - Filling in blank periodic tables or taking quick online quizzes keeps your knowledge fresh and highlights any weak spots. Make it a weekly habit to time yourself and track your progress over time. Turning review into a game ramps up motivation and confidence for exam day.
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