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Quizzes > Science

Chemical Symbol Quiz: Test Your Periodic Table Skills

Quick quiz on periodic table symbols. Instant feedback and score.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Tina GenslerUpdated Aug 28, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper cutout art of periodic table symbol blocks for a quiz on a coral background

This chemical symbol quiz helps you practice element symbols, check your recall, and learn the ones you miss. Get instant feedback and a final score in minutes. When you want more practice, try our element symbols practice, take a quick chemical symbol test, or build name-to-symbol skills with an element names quiz.

Which element has the chemical symbol H?
Helium
Nitrogen
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Hydrogen is the element with atomic number 1 and is represented by the symbol H. It is the lightest element in the periodic table and the most abundant in the universe. The symbol derives from the Greek "hydro" meaning water, as it is a key component of water molecules.
Which element has the chemical symbol O?
Gold
Oxygen
Osmium
Mercury
Oxygen has the chemical symbol O and atomic number 8. It is a diatomic gas essential for respiration in many organisms. The name comes from the Greek words for 'acid producer.'
Which element has the chemical symbol C?
Copper
Calcium
Carbon
Chlorine
Carbon is represented by the symbol C and has atomic number 6. It is unique in its ability to form stable bonds with many elements, forming the backbone of organic chemistry. The symbol C comes directly from the Latin name 'carbo.'
Which element has the chemical symbol N?
Nitrogen
Nickel
Neon
Sodium
Nitrogen has the chemical symbol N and atomic number 7. It makes up about 78% of Earth's atmosphere by volume. The name comes from the Greek words 'nitron' and 'genes' meaning 'native soda former.'
Which element has the chemical symbol He?
Neon
Helium
Mercury
Hydrogen
Helium is the second element with symbol He and atomic number 2. It is a noble gas known for its low density and inert properties. The name derives from the Greek god of the sun, 'Helios,' because it was first detected in the solar spectrum.
Which element has the chemical symbol Ne?
Neptunium
Nickel
Nitrogen
Neon
Neon is represented by the symbol Ne and has atomic number 10. It is a noble gas primarily used in lighting due to its distinctive reddish-orange glow. The name comes from the Greek word 'neos,' meaning new.
Which element has the chemical symbol Na?
Nickel
Sodium
Nitrogen
Neon
Sodium has the symbol Na from its Latin name 'natrium' and atomic number 11. It is a highly reactive alkali metal commonly found in table salt (NaCl). Sodium plays a vital role in nerve function and fluid balance in living organisms.
Which element has the chemical symbol K?
Silicon
Krypton
Calcium
Potassium
Potassium is represented by the symbol K from its Latin name 'kalium' and has atomic number 19. It is an essential electrolyte for cellular function in plants and animals. The name reflects its discovery in potash.
Which element has the chemical symbol Ca?
Carbon
Cadmium
Cobalt
Calcium
Calcium has the symbol Ca and atomic number 20. It is a soft gray alkaline earth metal essential for bone health and many biological processes. The name comes from the Latin word 'calx,' meaning lime.
Which element has the chemical symbol Fe?
Fermium
Francium
Fluorine
Iron
Iron is represented by the symbol Fe from its Latin name 'ferrum' and atomic number 26. It is a common transition metal used extensively in construction and manufacturing. Iron's magnetic properties are crucial in many technological applications.
Which element has the chemical symbol Cl?
Carbon
Calcium
Cobalt
Chlorine
Chlorine has the symbol Cl and atomic number 17. It is a greenish-yellow gas used for water disinfection and as a bleaching agent. The name derives from the Greek word 'chloros,' meaning greenish-yellow.
Which element has the chemical symbol Mg?
Mercury
Magnesium
Molybdenum
Manganese
Magnesium is represented by the symbol Mg and has atomic number 12. It is a lightweight alkaline earth metal used in alloys and biological processes. The name comes from the mineral magnesia.
Which element has the chemical symbol S?
Silicon
Scandium
Sulfur
Sodium
Sulfur has the symbol S and atomic number 16. It is a nonmetal known for its yellow crystalline form and distinctive smell when burned. The name derives from the Latin 'sulphur.'
Which element has the chemical symbol P?
Protactinium
Potassium
Palladium
Phosphorus
Phosphorus is represented by the symbol P and has atomic number 15. It is essential for DNA and cell membrane structures in living organisms. The name comes from the Greek 'phosphoros,' meaning light-bearer.
Which element has the chemical symbol Al?
Americium
Aluminum
Argon
Aluminium
Aluminium has the symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a lightweight, silvery metal widely used in aerospace and packaging. The symbol and name derive from the Latin word 'alumen.'
Which element has the chemical symbol Sb?
Sulfur
Scandium
Selenium
Antimony
Antimony has the symbol Sb from its Latin name 'stibium' and atomic number 51. It is a lustrous gray metalloid used in flame retardants and alloys. The name reflects its historical use in cosmetics and medicine.
Which element has the chemical symbol Pb?
Polonium
Palladium
Lead
Protactinium
Lead is represented by the symbol Pb from its Latin name 'plumbum' and has atomic number 82. It is a heavy metal historically used in pipes, paints, and gasoline additives. Due to toxicity, its use is now restricted.
Which element has the chemical symbol Au?
Platinum
Gold
Argon
Silver
Gold has the chemical symbol Au from its Latin name 'aurum' and atomic number 79. It is a highly malleable, yellow metal valued for jewelry and electronics. Its inertness and conductivity make it ideal for high-end electrical contacts.
Which element has the chemical symbol Hg?
Magnesium
Hydrogen
Mercury
Holmium
Mercury is denoted by Hg from its Greek name 'hydrargyrum' (liquid silver) and atomic number 80. It is the only metal that is liquid at standard conditions. Mercury has applications in thermometers and fluorescent lamps, though its use is declining due to toxicity.
Which element has the chemical symbol Sn?
Tin
Sodium
Sulfur
Silicon
Tin has the symbol Sn from its Latin name 'stannum' and atomic number 50. It is a post-transition metal used in solder, plating, and alloys such as bronze. Tin is resistant to corrosion and has been used since ancient times.
Which element has the chemical symbol W?
Tungsten
Gold
Iron
Silicon
Tungsten is represented by the symbol W from its German name 'Wolfram' and atomic number 74. It has the highest melting point of all metals and is used in light bulb filaments and cutting tools. Its density and hardness make it ideal for heavy-duty industrial applications.
Which element has the chemical symbol I?
Iodine
Iron
Iridium
Indium
Iodine has the symbol I and atomic number 53. It is a halogen used in antiseptics and thyroid hormone production. The name comes from the Greek word 'ioeides,' meaning violet, referring to its vapor color.
Which element has the chemical symbol B?
Boron
Bromine
Bismuth
Berkelium
Boron is represented by the symbol B and has atomic number 5. It is a metalloid essential for plant cell walls and used in borosilicate glass. The name derives from the Arabic word 'buraq.'
Which element has the chemical symbol Si?
Sulfur
Silver
Silicon
Sodium
Silicon is represented by Si and atomic number 14. It is a key component of semiconductors and Earth's crust. The name derives from the Latin 'silex,' meaning flint.
Which element has the chemical symbol Ar?
Arsenic
Argonium
Argon
Aluminum
Argon has the symbol Ar and atomic number 18. It is a noble gas that comprises about 1% of Earth's atmosphere. The name comes from the Greek word 'argos,' meaning inactive.
Which element has the chemical symbol Kr?
Radon
Krypton
Kryptonium
Potassium
Krypton is represented by Kr and has atomic number 36. It is a noble gas used in lighting and photography. The name derives from the Greek 'kryptos,' meaning hidden.
Which element has the chemical symbol Cu?
Cobalt
Carbon
Calcium
Copper
Copper has the symbol Cu from its Latin name 'cuprum' and atomic number 29. It is a highly conductive metal used in electrical wiring and plumbing. The name refers to the island of Cyprus where it was mined in antiquity.
Which element has the chemical symbol Ni?
Nihonium
Nitrogen
Neptunium
Nickel
Nickel is represented by Ni and has atomic number 28. It is a ferromagnetic metal used in stainless steel and batteries. The name comes from the German 'kupfernickel,' meaning devil's copper.
Which element has the chemical symbol Ti?
Titanium
Tin
Thallium
Tellurium
Titanium has the symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It is a strong, lightweight metal used in aerospace and medical implants. The name comes from the Titans of Greek mythology.
Which element has the chemical symbol Se?
Scandium
Silicon
Sulfur
Selenium
Selenium is denoted by Se and has atomic number 34. It is a nonmetal used in photocells and glassmaking. The name comes from the Greek word 'selene,' meaning moon.
Which element has the chemical symbol V?
Vanadate
Valerium
Vanadium
Vulcanium
Vanadium has the symbol V and atomic number 23. It is a transition metal used in steel alloys for strength and corrosion resistance. The name derives from Vanadis, another name for the Norse goddess Freyja.
Which element has the chemical symbol Rh?
Roentgenium
Rhenium
Ruthenium
Rhodium
Rhodium is represented by Rh and has atomic number 45. It is a rare, silvery-white transition metal used in catalytic converters and jewelry plating. The name comes from the Greek 'rhodon,' meaning rose, reflecting its rose-colored salts.
Which element has the chemical symbol Pd?
Platinum
Protactinium
Phosphorus
Palladium
Palladium has the symbol Pd and atomic number 46. It is a platinum-group metal used in catalytic converters and electronics. The name honors the asteroid Pallas, discovered shortly before the element.
Which element has the chemical symbol Pt?
Phosphorus
Palladium
Platinum
Protactinium
Platinum is denoted by Pt and has atomic number 78. It is a dense, malleable transition metal valued for jewelry and catalytic applications. The name comes from the Spanish 'platina,' meaning little silver.
Which element has the chemical symbol Cs?
Calcium
Cerium
Cesium
Chromium
Cesium has the symbol Cs and atomic number 55. It is a soft, gold-colored alkali metal with a low melting point. Cesium's precise oscillation frequency makes it crucial for atomic clocks.
Which element has the chemical symbol Fr?
Francon
Fermium
Francite
Francium
Francium is represented by Fr and has atomic number 87. It is a highly radioactive alkali metal and one of the rarest naturally occurring elements. The element is named after France, where it was discovered.
Which element has the chemical symbol Rn?
Rhenium
Ruthenium
Radium
Radon
Radon has the symbol Rn and atomic number 86. It is a noble gas produced by radioactive decay of radium. Radon is known for its health risks in poorly ventilated basements.
Which element has the chemical symbol At?
Antimony
Astatine
Americium
Actinium
Astatine is represented by At and has atomic number 85. It is a rare, highly radioactive halogen with few practical applications. The name comes from the Greek 'astatos,' meaning unstable.
Which element has the chemical symbol Sm?
Sulfur
Selenium
Sodium
Samarium
Samarium is denoted by Sm and has atomic number 62. It is a lanthanide metal used in permanent magnets and nuclear reactors. The element is named after the mineral samarskite.
Which element has the chemical symbol U?
Uranium
Uranic
Ununquadium
Ununtrium
Uranium is represented by U and has atomic number 92. It is a heavy, radioactive actinide used as fuel in nuclear reactors. The name comes from the planet Uranus, discovered shortly before the element.
Which element has the chemical symbol Pa?
Polonium
Phosphorus
Palladium
Protactinium
Protactinium is denoted by Pa and has atomic number 91. It is a dense, silvery-gray actinide metal with limited applications. The name comes from Greek 'protos' (first) and 'actinium,' indicating it precedes actinium in decay series.
Which element has the chemical symbol Md?
Mendelevium
Mercury
Magnesium
Meitnerium
Mendelevium has the symbol Md and atomic number 101. It is a synthetic, radioactive actinide named after Dmitri Mendeleev. Mendelevium is produced in particle accelerators and has no stable isotopes.
Which element has the chemical symbol Sg?
Silicon
Seaborgium
Sulfur
Selenium
Seaborgium is represented by Sg and has atomic number 106. It is a synthetic transactinide element named after Glenn T. Seaborg. Its most stable isotopes have very short half-lives.
Which element has the chemical symbol Rf?
Rhodium
Ruthenium
Rutherfordium
Rhenium
Rutherfordium has the symbol Rf and atomic number 104. It is a synthetic transactinide named after Ernest Rutherford. The element has no stable isotopes and decays rapidly.
Which element has the chemical symbol Db?
Dubnium
Dubtritium
Darmstadtium
Dubnone
Dubnium is denoted by Db and has atomic number 105. It is a synthetic element named after Dubna, Russia, where it was first produced. Dubnium's isotopes are highly unstable and exist only in laboratories.
Which element has the chemical symbol Fl?
Flurium
Francium
Flerovium
Fluorine
Flerovium has the symbol Fl and atomic number 114. It is a superheavy synthetic element named after Russian physicist Georgy Flerov. Flerovium's known isotopes have extremely short half-lives.
Which element has the chemical symbol Lv?
Livermore
Livermorium
Lawrencium
Lithium
Livermorium is represented by Lv and has atomic number 116. It is a synthetic element named after the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. Its isotopes are highly unstable with very short half-lives.
Which element has the chemical symbol Mc?
Meitnerium
Moscovite
Moscovium
Mercury
Moscovium has the symbol Mc and atomic number 115. It is a synthetic superheavy element named after Moscow Oblast. All known isotopes of moscovium have short half-lives.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Chemical Symbols -

    Recognize and recall the correct one- or two-letter symbols for both common and less familiar elements on the periodic table. This strengthens your foundational chemistry vocabulary for the chemical element symbols quiz.

  2. Match Elements to Symbols -

    Quickly and accurately match element names with their corresponding symbols under time pressure. This skill will enhance your performance on periodic table symbols quiz challenges.

  3. Reinforce Periodic Table Familiarity -

    Deepen your understanding of element groupings and trends as you work through each question. Familiarity with the table layout will help you navigate future element symbols tests.

  4. Apply Trend Analysis -

    Use knowledge of atomic number, electron configuration, and element categories to predict unknown symbols. This analytical approach turns the chemistry symbols quiz into a strategic learning tool.

  5. Assess Knowledge Gaps -

    Evaluate which element symbols you know well and which need more practice. Identifying these gaps will guide your focused study and improve your overall chemistry understanding.

  6. Build Chemistry Confidence -

    Gain assurance in your ability to recall and apply element symbols, making you more prepared for advanced chemistry quizzes and course assessments. This confidence translates to better retention and enjoyment in learning.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Periodic Table Layout Mastery -

    Understanding how elements are organized by atomic number, group, and period helps you predict chemical behavior and recall symbols more efficiently. For instance, elements in Group 1 (alkali metals) like Li (Lithium) and Na (Sodium) share similar properties and symbol patterns. This spatial recognition is essential for any chemical element symbols quiz and boosts your performance on a periodic table symbols quiz.

  2. Latin & Historical Symbol Origins -

    Many element symbols derive from Latin names - like Au for Aurum (Gold) and Fe for Ferrum (Iron) - so learning these linguistic roots can turn tricky symbols into easy wins. According to IUPAC listings, about 22 elements use non-English origins. Recognizing these patterns is a powerful shortcut during your element symbols test or chemistry symbols quiz.

  3. Smart Mnemonics & Memory Aids -

    Applying mnemonic devices such as "Happy Henry Likes Beer But Could Not Obtain Food" (H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F) makes the first nine elements stick instantly. Pair these with spaced-repetition flashcards to reinforce retention - even rare elements like Se (Selenium) will become second nature. This strategy is a cornerstone for success in any chemical symbols quiz online.

  4. Spot & Avoid Common Symbol Confusions -

    Some symbols look deceptively similar - like Co (Cobalt) versus CO (carbon monoxide) or Mn (Manganese) versus Mg (Magnesium) - so practice differentiating them in context. Referencing official sources such as the Royal Society of Chemistry can clarify these pitfalls. Sharpening this skill directly enhances your accuracy on periodic table symbols quizzes.

  5. Regular Self-Testing & Active Recall -

    Consistent practice with short, timed quizzes improves recall speed far more than passive review. Tools like quiz apps from university chemistry departments or reputable sites provide immediate feedback and track progress. Engaging in frequent chemical element symbols quiz challenges will solidify your mastery and confidence.

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