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Quizzes > Science

Periodic Elements Quiz: Name Elements 1-36

Quick, free first 36 elements quiz. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Maxwell MarkoUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration for a periodic table of elements quiz on a sky blue background

This periodic elements quiz helps you lock in the names, symbols, and atomic numbers for elements 1-36. Build confidence step by step: warm up with the first ten elements, target tough spots in elements 21 to 30, or stretch to a broader challenge with a 52 elements quiz.

Easy
Which element has atomic number 1?
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Lithium
Helium
Hydrogen has atomic number 1 because it contains one proton in its nucleus. It is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. The atomic number of an element defines its position on the periodic table. .
What is the chemical symbol for helium?
H
He
Ne
O
Helium is represented by the symbol He and is the second element on the periodic table. It is a noble gas known for being the second lightest element after hydrogen. Chemical symbols are standardized abbreviations derived from element names. .
Which element has the symbol 'Li'?
Mercury
Iron
Lead
Lithium
The symbol Li stands for Lithium, which is the third element in the periodic table. It is an alkali metal used in batteries due to its high electrochemical potential. Lead uses the symbol Pb, iron is Fe, and mercury is Hg. .
Which of the following is the chemical symbol for beryllium?
Be
B
Ba
Br
Beryllium is represented by the symbol Be and is an alkaline earth metal with atomic number 4. The letter B alone stands for boron, Br is bromine, and Ba is barium. Chemical symbols often derive from Latin names or the element's English name. .
What is the atomic number of boron?
7
3
9
5
Boron has atomic number 5, meaning it has five protons in its nucleus. It is the first element in Group 13 and is a metalloid. Atomic numbers increase sequentially across the periodic table by one proton per element. .
Which element is represented by the symbol 'C'?
Carbon
Cesium
Chlorine
Calcium
The symbol C stands for Carbon, which is the sixth element on the periodic table. It is a nonmetal essential for organic chemistry and life. Calcium is Ca, chlorine is Cl, and cesium is Cs. .
What is the atomic number of nitrogen?
9
5
7
11
Nitrogen has atomic number 7, indicating it has seven protons in its nucleus. It makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere by volume. Atomic numbers correspond to the number of protons and thus define each element uniquely. .
Which element has the chemical symbol 'O'?
Platinum
Oxygen
Gold
Osmium
The symbol O represents Oxygen, which is essential for respiration in most life forms and the third most abundant element in the universe. Osmium is Os, gold is Au, and platinum is Pt. Chemical symbols help avoid confusion in scientific communication. .
What is the atomic number of fluorine?
9
7
8
10
Fluorine has atomic number 9, meaning nine protons in its nucleus. It is the most electronegative and reactive of all elements. Fluorine belongs to the halogen group and is used in toothpaste and Teflon coatings. .
Which element has the symbol 'Ne'?
Sodium
Nobelium
Nitrogen
Neon
The symbol Ne stands for Neon, a noble gas with atomic number 10. It is commonly used in neon lighting and signs due to its bright emission when electrified. Neon is inert under most conditions alongside other noble gases. .
Which element is represented by the symbol 'Na'?
Krypton
Nickel
Neon
Sodium
The symbol Na comes from the Latin name natrium and represents Sodium, atomic number 11. Sodium is an alkali metal that reacts vigorously with water. Nickel is Ni, neon is Ne, and krypton is Kr. .
What is the atomic number of magnesium?
10
12
16
14
Magnesium has atomic number 12, which means it has twelve protons in its nucleus. It is an alkaline earth metal essential for chlorophyll and human health. The periodic table arranges elements in increasing atomic number to reflect their properties. .
Medium
What is the chemical symbol for aluminum?
Ar
Au
Al
Am
Aluminum is represented by the symbol Al and is the most abundant metal in Earth's crust. Its name comes from alum, a compound used since ancient times. Aluminum has a low density and is corrosion-resistant. .
In which period of the periodic table is silicon located?
Second period
Third period
Fourth period
Fifth period
Silicon is located in the third period of the periodic table alongside elements such as sodium and sulfur. A period indicates the number of electron shells an element's atoms have. Silicon's electron configuration shows three energy levels. .
Phosphorus belongs to which group of the periodic table?
Group 18
Group 17
Group 13
Group 15
Phosphorus is a member of Group 15, also known as the nitrogen group or pnictogens. Elements in this group typically have five valence electrons. Phosphorus compounds are vital for life, including DNA and ATP. .
What is the atomic number of sulfur?
20
18
16
14
Sulfur has the atomic number 16, meaning it has sixteen protons in its atomic nucleus. It is a nonmetal and appears in many sulfide minerals and biological compounds. Sulfur is well known for its distinctive yellow color. .
Which element is the halogen with atomic number 17?
Iodine
Chlorine
Bromine
Fluorine
Chlorine has atomic number 17 and belongs to the halogen group. It is a greenish gas at room temperature and is used in disinfectants and PVC production. Halogens are highly reactive nonmetals with seven valence electrons. .
What is the atomic number of argon?
16
17
18
19
Argon has atomic number 18 and is the third noble gas in the periodic table. It is colorless, odorless, and inert under most conditions. Argon makes up about 1% of Earth's atmosphere by volume. .
Which alkali metal is represented by the symbol K?
Calcium
Potassium
Sodium
Magnesium
The symbol K comes from the Latin word kalium and represents Potassium, atomic number 19. Potassium is an alkali metal that plays key roles in biological functions. It is highly reactive, especially with water. .
Calcium belongs to which category of elements?
Alkaline earth metals
Transition metals
Noble gases
Alkali metals
Calcium is classified as an alkaline earth metal in Group 2 of the periodic table. These metals are harder and denser than alkali metals and have two valence electrons. Calcium is essential for biological structures like bones and teeth. .
Scandium is the first element in which block of the periodic table?
p-block
f-block
s-block
d-block
Scandium, atomic number 21, is the first element in the d-block of the periodic table. The d-block elements are known as transition metals because they fill the d-orbital with electrons. Scandium is often grouped with the rare earth elements. .
What is the atomic number of titanium?
20
23
21
22
Titanium has atomic number 22 and is a transition metal known for its high strength-to-weight ratio. It is used in aerospace, medical implants, and pigments. Titanium forms a stable oxide layer that protects it from corrosion. .
Vanadium belongs to which series of the periodic table?
Alkali metals
Post-transition metals
Transition metals
Alkaline earth metals
Vanadium is a transition metal located in Group 5 and Period 4 of the periodic table. Transition metals have partially filled d orbitals, giving them unique catalytic and magnetic properties. Vanadium is used in steel alloys for increased strength. .
What is the atomic number of chromium?
24
23
25
22
Chromium has atomic number 24 and is known for its lustrous, corrosion-resistant properties. It is used in stainless steel and chrome plating. The element name derives from the Greek word for color, reflecting the varied compounds it forms. .
Hard
What is the highest common oxidation state of manganese?
+2
+6
+7
+4
Manganese commonly exhibits a +7 oxidation state in compounds like potassium permanganate (KMnO4). This high oxidation state results in strong oxidizing properties. Lower oxidation states also occur, but +7 is most characteristic in inorganic chemistry. .
Which oxidation state is most stable for iron in rust (Fe2O3)?
+3
+4
+2
+5
In rust (Fe2O3), iron is in the +3 oxidation state as each Fe3+ ion pairs with O2? ions. The +3 state is more stable in this oxide due to its electron configuration and environmental conditions. Iron can also occur as Fe2+ in other compounds. .
Which of the following elements is NOT ferromagnetic at room temperature?
Nickel
Copper
Iron
Cobalt
Iron, cobalt, and nickel are the only elements that exhibit ferromagnetism at room temperature. Copper is diamagnetic and does not retain magnetic properties. Ferromagnetism arises from unpaired electron spins aligning in regions called domains. .
Which element is commonly used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils?
Copper
Palladium
Nickel
Platinum
Nickel catalysts are widely used in the hydrogenation of vegetable oils to increase shelf life and stability. While platinum and palladium can catalyze hydrogenation, nickel is more cost-effective for large-scale industrial processes. Catalyst choice depends on activity and economic factors. .
What is the ground-state electron configuration of zinc?
[Ar]3d10 4s2
[Ar]4s2 3d8
[Ar]4s2 3d9
[Ar]4s1 3d10
Zinc has the electron configuration [Ar]3d10 4s2, fully filling both the 3d and 4s subshells. This configuration makes zinc relatively stable and less prone to variable oxidation states. Electron configurations reflect the arrangement of electrons around the nucleus. .
Which element among the first 36 shows an anomalous electron configuration of [Ar]3d10 4s1?
Zinc
Vanadium
Chromium
Copper
Copper exhibits an anomalous electron configuration of [Ar]3d10 4s1 instead of the expected [Ar]3d9 4s2. The fully filled d-subshell provides extra stability. Chromium is another anomaly but has configuration [Ar]3d5 4s1. .
Approximately at what temperature (°C) does gallium melt?
100
15
29.8
50
Gallium has an unusually low melting point of about 29.8°C, allowing it to melt in the palm of your hand. This property arises from its intermetallic bonding and crystal structure. Most metals have much higher melting points. .
Germanium is classified as which type of element?
Metal
Nonmetal
Metalloid
Noble gas
Germanium is a metalloid, exhibiting properties intermediate between metals and nonmetals. It is a semiconductor used in transistors and diodes. Its position in the periodic table between group 13 and 14 reflects its intermediate behavior. .
Arsenic belongs to which group in the periodic table?
Chalcogens
Pnictogens
Halogens
Alkali metals
Arsenic is part of the pnictogen group (Group 15) along with nitrogen and phosphorus. Pnictogens typically have five valence electrons and form -3 oxidation states. Arsenic is notorious for its toxicity and usage in semiconductors. .
Selenium has which atomic number?
32
33
35
34
Selenium has atomic number 34, indicating it contains thirty-four protons. It is a nonmetal found in minerals and used in electronics and glassmaking. Selenium's properties are intermediate between metals and nonmetals. .
Which element is the only nonmetal that is liquid at room temperature?
Mercury
Sulfur
Bromine
Phosphorus
Bromine is the only nonmetal that is liquid at room temperature, appearing as a reddish-brown liquid. Mercury is a metal and also liquid but is not a nonmetal. Other nonmetals are solid or gaseous at room conditions. .
Krypton is classified as which type of element?
Transition metal
Halogen
Alkali metal
Noble gas
Krypton is a noble gas located in Group 18 of the periodic table. It is colorless, odorless, and inert, found in trace amounts in Earth's atmosphere. Noble gases are characterized by filled electron shells, making them very stable. .
Expert
Which element among the first 36 has the highest electronegativity?
Chlorine
Fluorine
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Electronegativity measures an atom's ability to attract shared electrons in a bond, and fluorine has the highest value (3.98) on the Pauling scale among all elements. Its small atomic radius and high effective nuclear charge contribute to this property. This makes fluorine the most reactive of the halogens. .
Which element among the first 36 has the largest atomic radius?
Sodium
Calcium
Potassium
Krypton
Atomic radius increases down a group and decreases across a period due to electron shell additions and effective nuclear charge. Among the first 36 elements, potassium in Group 1, Period 4 has the largest atomic radius. Its single valence electron is further from the nucleus. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Element Names and Symbols -

    Recall and match the chemical symbols with their corresponding element names for elements 1 through 36.

  2. Identify Atomic Numbers -

    Identify each element by its atomic number and strengthen familiarity with the periodic table quiz 1-36.

  3. Organize Elements Alphabetically -

    Organize and retrieve elements in a chemical elements list alphabetical order to improve systematic memorization.

  4. Analyze Periodic Trends -

    Analyze simple periodic table trends such as group and period characteristics within elements 1 - 36.

  5. Differentiate Similar Elements -

    Differentiate between elements with similar properties or symbols to avoid common recall errors.

  6. Apply Knowledge in Quiz Format -

    Apply your understanding in a timed quiz setting to simulate test conditions and track your progress.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Atomic Number - Symbol Mastery -

    Memorize each element's atomic number alongside its symbol by quizzing yourself in ascending order (H-1, He-2, Li-3, … Kr-36). Use flashcards or apps referencing IUPAC's official list to ensure accuracy (iupac.org). A quick drill: write "1 = H, 2 = He, 3 = Li…" until you hit Kr to build rapid recall.

  2. Alphabetical Order Mnemonic -

    Create a catchy phrase using the first letters of each element name (e.g., "Happy Henry Likes Beer But Could Not Obtain Food …" up to Kr). This classical mnemonic, adapted from university chemistry courses (MIT OpenCourseWare), locks in the chemical elements list alphabetical order. Repeating it daily for one week can boost long-term retention.

  3. Periodic Trends Overview -

    Review how atomic radius decreases left-to-right and increases down a group for elements 1 - 36, as detailed by NIST's atomic data tables. Track trends in ionization energy and electronegativity to predict reactivity and bond type. Sketch simple graphs to visualize these patterns and cite NIST.gov for reference values.

  4. Group and Block Classification -

    Categorize elements into s-block (1 - 2), p-block (13 - 18), and d-block transition elements up to 36, using Royal Society of Chemistry's periodic table guide. Knowing that Mg (12) is an alkaline earth metal or Zn (30) is a transition metal helps you anticipate chemical behavior. Highlight groups in different colors to internalize block boundaries.

  5. Everyday Applications & Properties -

    Associate each element with a real-world use: N (7) in fertilizers, O (8) for respiration, Ne (10) in neon signs, and Kr (36) in lighting. Refer to the U.S. Geological Survey and PubChem summaries for verified industrial roles and physical properties. Linking names to visuals - like a neon lamp for Ne - solidifies memory.

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