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Quizzes > Science

52 Elements Quiz: Practice Symbols and Names on the Periodic Table

Quick, free periodic table practice with instant feedback on the first 52 elements.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Brian MiracleUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art with 52 element symbols and periodic table tiles on a sky blue background for a chemistry quiz

This 52 elements quiz helps you match element names to symbols and see where they fit on the periodic table. For more drills, try a chemical symbols quiz, boost recognition with an element symbol quiz, and round out your study with some periodic table practice.

What is the chemical symbol for Gold?
Au
Gd
Ga
Ag
The chemical symbol for gold is Au, derived from its Latin name aurum. This symbol is universally recognized in chemistry and appears on the periodic table. It distinguishes gold from other elements with similar names. .
What is the chemical symbol for Iron?
Fe
Ir
I
In
Iron's symbol is Fe, from its Latin name ferrum. This notation is used worldwide in chemical formulas. It helps avoid confusion with elements like iodine (I). .
Which element has atomic number 1?
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Helium
Carbon
Hydrogen has atomic number 1, making it the first element in the periodic table. It is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. Its simple structure is a single proton and electron. .
What is the chemical symbol for Sodium?
So
Sd
Na
Ni
Sodium's symbol is Na, derived from the Latin word natrium. This helps distinguish it from sulfur (S) and silicon (Si). It is a highly reactive metal in group 1 of the periodic table. .
What is the atomic number of Oxygen?
8
10
16
6
Oxygen has atomic number 8, which means it has eight protons in its nucleus. It is a key element for respiration and combustion. On the periodic table, it is in group 16. .
What is the chemical symbol for Carbon?
Ca
Cl
C
Co
Carbon's chemical symbol is C, the first letter of its English name. It is the basis of organic chemistry and forms countless compounds. On the periodic table, it is in group 14. .
What is the atomic number of Nitrogen?
7
5
9
11
Nitrogen has atomic number 7, indicating seven protons in its nucleus. It makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere by volume. It is a diatomic gas (N?) under standard conditions. .
What is the chemical symbol for Potassium?
Po
P
Pt
K
Potassium's symbol is K, from its Latin name kalium. This distinguishes it from phosphorus (P) and platinum (Pt). It is an alkali metal in group 1. .
What is the chemical symbol for Helium?
Ho
He
Hm
H
Helium is symbolized as He, from its English name. It is a noble gas in group 18 and is the second lightest element. Helium is inert and used in applications like balloons and cryogenics. .
What is the atomic number of Calcium?
18
20
12
14
Calcium has atomic number 20, meaning it has twenty protons. It is an alkaline earth metal in group 2 and essential for biological organisms. It is abundant in bones and shells as calcium carbonate. .
What is the chemical symbol for Chlorine?
Ch
Cl
Cr
Ci
Chlorine's symbol is Cl, from its English name. It is a halogen in group 17 and exists as a diatomic gas (Cl?) at room temperature. Chlorine is widely used in disinfection and bleaching. .
Which element has atomic number 6?
Oxygen
Carbon
Boron
Nitrogen
Carbon has atomic number 6, indicating six protons in its nucleus. It is unique for forming four covalent bonds, allowing diverse organic life. It appears in all known organic compounds. .
What is the chemical symbol for Silver?
Au
Sr
Si
Ag
Silver is represented by Ag, from its Latin name argentum. This avoids confusion with gold (Au) and silicon (Si). Silver is a precious metal with high conductivity. .
What is the chemical symbol for Lead?
Li
Pb
Le
Ld
Lead's symbol Pb comes from its Latin name plumbum. It helps distinguish lead from lithium (Li) and other elements. Lead is a heavy, soft metal used historically in pipes and paints. .
What is the atomic number of Magnesium?
10
14
12
16
Magnesium has atomic number 12, meaning twelve protons. It is an alkaline earth metal in group 2, known for its strength-to-weight ratio. Magnesium is important in many biological processes. .
Which element is classified as a noble gas?
Neon
Sodium
Nitrogen
Nickel
Neon is a noble gas in group 18 of the periodic table. It is inert, meaning it rarely forms compounds under normal conditions. Neon is used in lighting due to its distinct reddish-orange glow. .
Which element belongs to group 17, the halogens?
Sulfur
Phosphorus
Fluorine
Chlorine
Fluorine is the first element in group 17, known as halogens. These elements are highly reactive nonmetals. Fluorine is the most electronegative element. .
Which element has an average atomic mass of approximately 12.01 u?
Carbon
Oxygen
Boron
Nitrogen
Carbon's standard atomic weight is about 12.01 u, reflecting its isotopic distribution. This value is crucial in stoichiometric calculations. Carbon's most common isotope is 12C. .
Which element is a halogen commonly used in disinfectants?
Argon
Chlorine
Calcium
Copper
Chlorine is a halogen in group 17 and widely used for disinfection of water. It effectively kills bacteria and viruses. Chlorine derivatives include bleach and chlorinated compounds. .
Which element is classified as an alkaline earth metal?
Iron
Magnesium
Aluminum
Potassium
Magnesium is an alkaline earth metal in group 2 of the periodic table. It is characterized by a +2 oxidation state and high reactivity. Alkaline earth metals are harder and denser than alkali metals. .
In which period of the periodic table is Sulfur located?
4
2
3
5
Sulfur is in period 3, which includes elements with electrons occupying up to the 3p subshell. Periodic table periods correspond to principal quantum numbers. Sulfur's electron configuration ends in 3p4. .
Which element is considered a transition metal?
Calcium
Iron
Neon
Fluorine
Iron is a transition metal found in the d-block of the periodic table. Transition metals have partially filled d orbitals. Iron exhibits multiple oxidation states, a hallmark of transition metals. .
Which element has the highest electronegativity?
Fluorine
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Chlorine
Fluorine is the most electronegative element on the Pauling scale, with a value of 3.98. This high value reflects its strong tendency to attract electrons. It influences bonding properties in compounds. .
Which element is a liquid at room temperature?
Bromine
Gallium
Cesium
Mercury
Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at room temperature. Bromine is also liquid at room temperature but is a halogen nonmetal. Mercury's low melting point and high density make it unique. .
Which element is named after a planet?
Mercury
Uranium
Neptunium
Plutonium
Uranium is named after the planet Uranus. After its discovery, the element was named to honor the planet that had been discovered just eight years earlier. This naming convention is rare in the periodic table. .
Which element has atomic number 29?
Gallium
Zinc
Nickel
Copper
Copper has atomic number 29 and is known for its high electrical conductivity. It is a transition metal in period 4. Copper's historic usage dates back to ancient civilizations. .
Which element is a metalloid?
Sulfur
Sodium
Silicon
Silver
Silicon is a metalloid, exhibiting properties between metals and nonmetals. It conducts electricity better than nonmetals but less than metals. Silicon is critical in semiconductor technology. .
Which element has the symbol Sn?
Sulfur
Tungsten
Antimony
Tin
Tin's chemical symbol is Sn, originating from its Latin name stannum. This prevents confusion with titanium (Ti) and other elements. Tin is used in alloys like bronze. .
Which element has atomic number 3?
Lithium
Boron
Beryllium
Sodium
Lithium has atomic number 3 and is the lightest metal. It is an alkali metal in group 1. Lithium ions are important in rechargeable batteries. .
Which element is in the same group as Oxygen?
Chlorine
Fluorine
Sulfur
Nitrogen
Sulfur is directly below oxygen in group 16 of the periodic table. Elements in the same group share valence electron configurations and similar chemical properties. Sulfur and oxygen both form -2 oxidation states in compounds. .
What is the ground-state electron configuration of Chlorine?
[Ne] 2s² 2p?
[He] 2s² 2p?
[Ar] 3d¹? 4s²
[Ne] 3s² 3p?
Chlorine has 17 electrons, which fill shells to give [Ne] 3s² 3p?. The full third shell has seven electrons, characteristic of halogens. This configuration explains its high reactivity. .
Which element has the largest atomic radius?
Rubidium
Francium
Radium
Cesium
Francium is predicted to have the largest atomic radius due to its position at the bottom of group 1. Atomic radius increases down a group as electrons occupy higher shells. Francium is radioactive and scarce, but trend predictions are clear. .
Which element has the electron configuration [Ar] 4s² 3d¹? 4p³?
Antimony
Selenium
Arsenic
Phosphorus
Arsenic has atomic number 33, corresponding to [Ar] 4s² 3d¹? 4p³. This fills the first two p orbitals in the fourth shell. Arsenic is a metalloid with varied allotropes. .
What is the common oxidation state of chromium in chromate ions?
+6
+3
+4
+2
In the chromate ion (CrO?²?), chromium has an oxidation state of +6. This derives from balancing the four oxygen atoms at -2 each. Hexavalent chromium compounds are strong oxidizers. .
Which lanthanide element is named after the Greek word for "new" or "recent"?
Promethium
Neodymium
Lanthanum
Cerium
Neodymium's name comes from Greek neos (new) + didymos (twin). It was discovered shortly after praseodymium, another rare earth. Neodymium is used in powerful magnets. .
Which element has atomic number 54?
Bromine
Radon
Krypton
Xenon
Xenon has atomic number 54 and is a noble gas. Its full electron configuration ends at 5p6. Xenon is used in specialized lighting and anesthesia. .
Which element is the most abundant in Earth's crust by mass?
Iron
Aluminum
Oxygen
Silicon
Oxygen makes up about 46% of Earth's crust by mass, mainly as oxides. It forms compounds like silica (SiO?) and alumina (Al?O?). Although not a metal, it dominates crustal composition. .
Which element has electron configuration [Kr] 5s² 4d¹? 5p??
Iodine
Antimony
Xenon
Tellurium
Iodine has atomic number 53, corresponding to [Kr] 5s² 4d¹? 5p?. It is a halogen in group 17 with seven valence electrons. Iodine is essential for thyroid function. .
Which element is named after the creator of the periodic law?
Einsteinium
Mendelevium
Fermium
Curium
Mendelevium, element 101, honors Dmitri Mendeleev, who developed the periodic law. It was first synthesized in 1955. As a synthetic element, it has no stable isotopes. .
Which element has the highest first ionization energy?
Helium
Fluorine
Neon
Oxygen
Helium has the highest first ionization energy due to its small size and stable 1s² configuration. Removing an electron requires significant energy. Noble gas stability contributes to this high value. .
Which element has the lowest electronegativity?
Francium
Cesium
Radium
Rubidium
Francium is predicted to have the lowest electronegativity, as it is the heaviest alkali metal at the bottom of group 1. Electronegativity decreases down a group due to increased atomic radius. Its extreme rarity makes direct measurement difficult. .
Which element is considered a post-transition metal?
Tungsten
Tin
Tellurium
Titanium
Tin is classified as a post-transition metal found after the d-block. These metals have some metallic properties but are softer and have lower melting points. Tin is used in alloys like solder and bronze. .
Which element was discovered by Marie Curie?
Polonium
Uranium
Curium
Radium
Marie Curie discovered polonium in 1898, naming it after her native Poland. She also co-discovered radium shortly afterward. Polonium is highly radioactive and rare. .
Which element is predicted to be at the center of the "island of stability" with potentially longer half-lives?
Copernicium
Oganesson
Livermorium
Flerovium
Copernicium (element 112) is often cited in models of the island of stability due to closed nuclear shells. The island of stability predicts enhanced stability near certain proton and neutron numbers. Experimental data is limited but trends point to this region. .
Which element has electron configuration [Rn] 5f¹? 6d¹? 7s² 7p²?
Flerovium
Polonium
Lead
Bismuth
Flerovium, element 114, is predicted to have configuration [Rn]5f¹?6d¹?7s²7p². It is a superheavy element synthesized in labs. Its properties are under investigation for relativistic effects. .
Which element demonstrates the strongest inert-pair effect in group 13?
Indium
Thallium
Gallium
Aluminum
Thallium exhibits a pronounced inert-pair effect, favoring the +1 oxidation state over +3. The effect arises from relativistic stabilization of the s electrons. This contrasts with lighter group 13 elements. .
Which element has a ground-state term symbol of 1S0?
Neon
Argon
Helium
Oxygen
Helium's two-electron closed shell results in a singlet S state with term symbol ¹S?. This indicates zero spin and zero orbital angular momentum. It explains helium's chemical inertness. .
Which element's radioactive isotope with a half-life of about 5,730 years is used in radiocarbon dating?
Carbon
Thorium
Uranium
Potassium
Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope of carbon with a half-life of about 5,730 years. It forms in the upper atmosphere and decays back to nitrogen-14. Radiocarbon dating uses its decay to date organic materials. .
Which element has the highest nuclear binding energy per nucleon?
Iron
Cobalt
Chromium
Nickel
Iron-56 has one of the highest binding energies per nucleon, making it the most stable nucleus. This high binding energy explains why fusion above iron is not energetically favorable. The curve of binding energy peaks around iron. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recognize Element Symbols -

    Learn to accurately match chemical element symbols with their full names for all 52 common elements, enhancing your symbol recall.

  2. Recall Atomic Numbers -

    Memorize each element's atomic number and position on the periodic table to reinforce your foundational chemistry knowledge.

  3. Identify Periodic Table Trends -

    Analyze basic trends such as reactivity, atomic radius, and electronegativity across the first 52 elements to deepen your understanding.

  4. Improve Quiz Speed -

    Apply practical memory techniques and timed practice to boost your speed and accuracy in the common elements quiz.

  5. Evaluate Your Chemistry IQ -

    Use quiz results to gauge your current grasp of element symbols and periodic table layout, setting clear goals for further learning.

  6. Build Confidence -

    Gain confidence in your chemistry skills through interactive challenges that make mastering the periodic table fun and engaging.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Periodic Table Layout & Blocks -

    Focusing on s, p, d, and f blocks helps you group the 52 elements by electron configuration, following IUPAC conventions. Recognizing that s-block elements (Groups 1 - 2) have their valence electrons in s orbitals, while p-block elements (Groups 13 - 18) fill p orbitals, can drastically improve your periodic table quiz performance. Color-coded block charts from educational institutions like MIT or Cambridge can reinforce this structure visually.

  2. Atomic Number, Mass & Element Symbols -

    Knowing that each element's atomic number equals its proton count is fundamental in any chemical elements quiz and is defined by IUPAC standards. Flashcards pairing element symbols (e.g., Fe for Iron, Zn for Zinc) with their atomic numbers are a proven memorization tool in university-level courses. Try digital apps that randomize these flashcards to simulate the time pressure of a 52 elements quiz.

  3. Periodic Trends: Radius, Ionization & Electronegativity -

    Periodic trends such as decreasing atomic radius and increasing ionization energy across a period are well-documented by NIST and educational research. For example, as you move from left to right across Period 4, effective nuclear charge increases, pulling electrons closer and raising ionization energy. Integrating these trends into your periodic table quiz answers will help explain why elements like Zinc have higher electronegativity than Calcium.

  4. Group & Period Mnemonics -

    Mnemonic devices like "Happy Henry Likes Beer But Could Not Obtain Food" (H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne) are classic tools endorsed by universities to memorize the first ten elements. Extend this strategy to groups - for instance, "Alice's Sizzling Cat Always Glares At Potassium" for Alkali metals (Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) - to tackle the common elements quiz with ease. Creating personalized mnemonics based on vivid imagery can significantly boost recall speed during timed quizzes.

  5. Chemical Properties & Real-World Roles -

    Reviewing each element's common oxidation states and real-world applications solidifies understanding for the periodic table quiz, as highlighted in the CRC Handbook. For instance, knowing Iron (Fe) commonly forms Fe²❺ and Fe³❺ ions explains its role in hemoglobin, while Zinc's (Zn) +2 state underlies its use in galvanization. Linking abstract symbols to tangible uses transforms rote memorization into meaningful chemistry knowledge.

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