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Quizzes > Science > Chemistry

Periodic Elements Quiz: Can You Name Every Element?

Take the elements test and prove your periodic table prowess!

Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a periodic elements quiz on a teal background

The Periodic Elements Quiz helps you practice chemical symbols, names, atomic numbers, and trends so you can pick the correct element fast. Work through quick questions, see what sticks, and spot gaps before a test or lab. Play for a few minutes and come away sharper with each round.

What is the chemical symbol for Sodium?
Sd
S
Na
So
The chemical symbol for sodium is 'Na', taken from its Latin name 'natrium'. Sodium is an alkali metal in group 1 of the periodic table. It is distinct from sulfur, which uses the symbol 'S'.
What is the atomic number of Oxygen?
8
16
2
6
The atomic number represents the number of protons in an atom's nucleus. Oxygen has eight protons, placing it at atomic number 8 in the periodic table. This also defines its chemical behavior and identity.
Which element has the symbol 'Fe'?
Francium
Iron
Fluorine
Fermium
The symbol 'Fe' stands for iron, derived from the Latin word 'ferrum'. Iron is a transition metal and one of the most abundant elements on Earth. It is widely used in construction and manufacturing.
What is the chemical symbol for Gold?
Au
Ag
Pt
Gd
Gold's chemical symbol is 'Au', derived from the Latin word 'aurum'. It is a precious metal with high malleability and conductivity. Gold occupies group 11 of the periodic table.
What is the atomic number of Hydrogen?
1
8
2
0
Hydrogen is the first element in the periodic table with an atomic number of 1. This means it has one proton in its nucleus. It is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe.
Which element is a noble gas?
Fluorine
Hydrogen
Nitrogen
Helium
Helium is a noble gas found in group 18 of the periodic table. Noble gases are characterized by their full valence electron shells, making them very unreactive. Helium is the second-lightest element.
What is the chemical symbol for Potassium?
P
Ca
Kr
K
Potassium's symbol 'K' comes from the Latin name 'kalium'. It is an alkali metal in group 1 and is very reactive, especially with water. Potassium ions are essential for biological functions.
Which element is a halogen?
Neon
Chlorine
Boron
Phosphorus
Chlorine is a halogen found in group 17 of the periodic table. Halogens are highly reactive nonmetals that often form salts when combined with metals. Chlorine is used in water treatment and many industrial processes.
What is the chemical symbol for Silver?
Ag
Sr
Au
Si
Silver's symbol 'Ag' comes from the Latin word 'argentum'. It is a transition metal known for its high electrical and thermal conductivity. Silver occupies group 11 of the periodic table.
What is the atomic number of Carbon?
4
14
12
6
Carbon has an atomic number of 6, meaning it has six protons. It is a nonmetal in group 14 and forms the basis of organic chemistry. Carbon's versatility arises from its ability to form four covalent bonds.
What is the chemical symbol for Calcium?
Cm
Cl
Ca
C
Calcium's symbol 'Ca' is derived directly from its English name. It is an alkaline earth metal in group 2 and is essential for bones and teeth in living organisms. Calcium compounds are widely used in industry and agriculture.
What element has the symbol 'Ne'?
Neptunium
Neon
Nickel
Sodium
The symbol 'Ne' represents neon, a noble gas in group 18. Neon is inert, colorless, and is known for its bright reddish-orange glow in discharge tubes. It was discovered in 1898 and named for its neon fluorescence.
Which element has the highest electronegativity?
Fluorine
Nitrogen
Chlorine
Oxygen
Electronegativity measures an atom's ability to attract electrons in a bond. Fluorine has the highest electronegativity of all elements at 3.98 on the Pauling scale. This high value makes it extremely reactive.
Which element has a larger atomic radius: Sodium or Potassium?
Potassium
Sodium
Cannot be determined
They are the same
Atomic radius increases down a group as additional electron shells are added. Potassium is below sodium in group 1, so it has a larger atomic radius. This trend is consistent for alkali metals.
Which element is classified as a transition metal?
Sulfur
Scandium
Calcium
Silicon
Transition metals occupy the d-block of the periodic table. Scandium is the first transition metal, with electrons filling the 3d subshell. These elements often exhibit variable oxidation states.
What is the atomic number of Copper?
30
28
29
27
Copper has 29 protons in its nucleus, giving it an atomic number of 29. It is a transition metal known for high electrical conductivity. Copper's name comes from 'Cuprum', referring to Cyprus.
What group number contains the noble gases?
18
17
2
16
Noble gases are located in group 18 of the periodic table. They have full valence electron shells, making them chemically inert. This group includes helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and radon.
Which period has exactly 8 elements?
Period 2
Period 3
Period 4
Period 1
Period 2 of the periodic table contains eight elements from lithium to neon. Period 1 has only two elements, while periods 3 and 4 have more. The number of elements in a period corresponds to subshell filling.
Which element commonly forms a +2 oxidation state?
Neon
Magnesium
Chlorine
Aluminum
Magnesium, an alkaline earth metal in group 2, typically loses two electrons to form a +2 oxidation state. This gives it a stable noble gas electron configuration. Other group 2 metals behave similarly.
Which element has the electron configuration [Ne]3s2?
Neon
Aluminum
Sodium
Magnesium
The notation [Ne]3s2 indicates that magnesium has the neon core configuration plus two electrons in the 3s orbital. Magnesium is in group 2 and period 3. This configuration explains its +2 oxidation state.
Which element is a lanthanide?
Polonium
Palladium
Platinum
Europium
Europium is part of the lanthanide series, which includes elements 57 through 71. Lanthanides are f-block elements known for their magnetic and phosphorescent properties. Europium is used in phosphors for television screens.
Which element is a diatomic gas at room temperature?
Chlorine
Neon
Helium
Argon
Chlorine exists as diatomic molecules (Cl2) at room temperature. Diatomic gases include H2, N2, O2, F2, and Cl2. These elements form pairs of atoms to achieve stability.
What is the approximate atomic mass of Carbon?
12.01 u
10.81 u
14.01 u
16.00 u
The atomic mass of carbon is approximately 12.01 atomic mass units, reflecting the weighted average of its naturally occurring isotopes. The most common isotope is Carbon-12. Atomic mass differs from atomic number, which counts protons.
Which element is most abundant in Earth's crust?
Iron
Silicon
Oxygen
Aluminum
Oxygen makes up about 46% of Earth's crust by mass, primarily as oxides in minerals. It combines readily with metals and nonmetals to form various compounds. Silicon is second most abundant.
Which element's most stable isotope has 28 protons and 30 neutrons?
Zinc
Nickel
Copper
Iron
An atom with 28 protons is nickel (atomic number 28). The isotope with 30 neutrons is nickel-58, its most abundant stable isotope. Isotopic notation is written as 58Ni.
Which element exhibits an anomalous electron configuration of [Ar]3d5 4s1?
Scandium
Vanadium
Titanium
Chromium
Chromium has an anomalous electron configuration of [Ar]3d5 4s1 instead of [Ar]3d4 4s2 because half-filled d subshells offer extra stability. This exception to the Aufbau principle arises from electron exchange energy.
Which element has the highest first ionization energy?
Neon
Krypton
Helium
Argon
First ionization energy generally increases across a period and decreases down a group. Helium, at the top right corner of the table, has the highest first ionization energy of all elements. Its small size and full shell make electron removal difficult.
Which of the following is a metalloid?
Phosphorus
Aluminum
Calcium
Silicon
Silicon is a metalloid, exhibiting properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. It is a semiconductor widely used in electronics. Metalloids are found along the zig-zag line on the periodic table.
Which metal is liquid at room temperature?
Barium
Mercury
Francium
Bromine
Mercury is the only metal that is liquid at standard conditions of temperature and pressure. Its low melting point of ?38.83 °C distinguishes it from other metals. It has been used in thermometers and barometers.
Which element has a positive electron affinity (i.e., does not attract an extra electron)?
Neon
Boron
Nitrogen
Beryllium
Beryllium has a positive electron affinity, meaning it does not readily accept an additional electron. This is due to its filled 2s subshell and high ionization energy. Most elements have negative electron affinity values.
Which element's oxide is amphoteric?
Magnesium
Aluminum
Calcium
Sodium
Aluminum oxide (Al2O3) is amphoteric, meaning it can react with both acids and bases. This behavior arises from the borderline metallic character of aluminum. Amphoteric oxides occupy intermediate positions in the periodic table.
Which transition metal is widely used as a catalyst in automotive catalytic converters?
Silver
Gold
Copper
Platinum
Platinum is a key component in automotive catalytic converters due to its ability to catalyze oxidation and reduction reactions. It helps convert harmful emissions into less toxic gases. Platinum belongs to group 10 in the periodic table.
Which element exists in white, red, and black allotropes?
Carbon
Sulfur
Oxygen
Phosphorus
Phosphorus has several allotropes, including white (highly reactive), red (more stable), and black (semi-metallic). Allotropes are different structural forms of the same element. Carbon also has allotropes, but the specified colors are unique to phosphorus.
Which element with atomic number 20 and neutron number 20 is considered doubly magic and exceptionally stable?
Titanium
Calcium
Argon
Potassium
Calcium-40 has 20 protons and 20 neutrons, both magic numbers in nuclear physics. Nuclei with magic numbers are exceptionally stable due to closed shells of protons and neutrons. Calcium-40 is the most abundant isotope of calcium.
Which of the following elements is paramagnetic?
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Neon
Fluorine
Oxygen has two unpaired electrons in its molecular ground state, making it paramagnetic. Paramagnetic substances are attracted to magnetic fields. Most diatomic gases like N2 and Ne are diamagnetic with all electrons paired.
What is the electron configuration of Fe2+?
[Ar]3d5
[Ar]3d6
[Ar]4s2
[Ar]3d7
Neutral iron has the configuration [Ar]3d6 4s2. When it loses two electrons to form Fe2+, the 4s electrons are removed first, giving [Ar]3d6. This reflects the relative energies of 3d and 4s orbitals.
Why does copper have the electron configuration [Ar]3d10 4s1 instead of [Ar]3d9 4s2?
A filled d subshell is more stable than a filled s subshell
Half-filled s subshell is more stable than filled d subshell
Electron - electron repulsion is minimized by this arrangement
The Aufbau principle mandates this order
Copper adopts [Ar]3d10 4s1 because a completely filled d subshell provides extra stability compared to a 3d9 configuration. This exception to the Aufbau principle arises from exchange energy and subshell stability. The 4s orbital lies at similar energy but is higher when 3d is full.
Which uranium isotope is fissile and commonly used as nuclear fuel?
U-235
U-234
U-238
U-232
Uranium-235 is fissile, meaning it can sustain a nuclear chain reaction when bombarded with thermal neutrons. It represents about 0.7% of natural uranium. U-238 is fertile but not fissile under thermal neutrons.
Which element's atomic radius deviates from periodic trends due to the lanthanide contraction?
Zirconium
Niobium
Yttrium
Gold
Lanthanide contraction causes a decrease in ionic and atomic radii across the lanthanide series. Gold lies after lanthanides and is smaller than expected because of this effect. This anomaly influences gold's chemical properties.
Which element exhibits its highest known oxidation state of +8?
Iron
Manganese
Osmium
Vanadium
Osmium can achieve a +8 oxidation state in osmium tetroxide (OsO4). This is one of the highest oxidation states known for any element. Ruthenium can also reach +8, but osmium compounds are more common.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify chemical symbols -

    Match element names to their official one- or two-letter symbols, reinforcing quick recognition across the periodic table.

  2. Recall atomic numbers -

    Retrieve the atomic number for each element to strengthen your ability to locate and categorize elements accurately.

  3. Analyze element properties -

    Explore key trivia and characteristics of elements to deepen your understanding of their real-world applications.

  4. Apply periodic trends -

    Use trends such as electronegativity and atomic radius to predict element behavior and reactivity in simple scenarios.

  5. Evaluate your performance on the periodic elements quiz -

    Analyze quiz results to identify strengths and areas for improvement, enhancing your mastery of the elements of the periodic table.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Periodic Table Architecture -

    Understanding how the periodic table is organized into groups and periods is essential for any periodic elements quiz. Elements in the same column (group) share valence electron patterns, which drive their chemical behavior as noted by IUPAC. Visualizing blocks (s, p, d, f) helps you predict reactivity based on an element's position.

  2. Atomic Number & Chemical Symbol Recall -

    Memorizing each element's atomic number and symbol is the backbone of an elements periodic table quiz. For example, "O" is oxygen with atomic number 8, and "Fe" is iron at 26. Flashcards or digital apps referencing ACS guidelines make symbol-number matching a breeze.

  3. Electron Configuration Mastery -

    Knowing how electrons fill orbitals (1s², 2s² 2p❶, etc.) lets you classify elements into s-block, p-block, d-block, and f-block, a common periodic element quiz question. Write configurations in noble gas shorthand - [Ne] 3s² for magnesium - and practice for quick recall. This approach aligns with standard general chemistry curricula.

  4. Key Periodic Trends -

    Predict trends like atomic radius (increases down a group, decreases across a period) and electronegativity (opposite trend) to answer concept-based questions confidently. For instance, fluorine has the highest electronegativity (4.0 on the Pauling scale) as you move right and up. Graphing these trends visually solidifies your grasp.

  5. Mnemonic Strategies for Element Sequences -

    Create catchy phrases - "Happy Henry Likes Beer But Could Not Obtain Food" for H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F - to speed up recall of the first nine elements. Many chemistry courses and quizzes endorse this trick for rapid memorization. Pair mnemonics with color-coded charts for an engaging study session.

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