Periodic Table MCQ Quiz: Questions And Answers

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Zohra Sattar Waxali, PhD (Chemistry) |
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Dr. Zohra Sattar Waxali earned her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Northwestern University, specializing in the metallomes of cardiac cells and stem cells, and their impact on biological function. Her research encompasses the development of arsenoplatin chemotherapeutics, stapled peptide estrogen receptor inhibitors, and antimicrobial natural products.
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  • 1/24 Questions

    What is the symbol for phosphorus?

    • Po
    • P
    • Pb
    • Pu
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About This Quiz

The periodic table is the foundation of chemistry, organizing all known elements based on their properties. This periodic table quiz questions set will test your understanding of element groups, atomic numbers, chemical symbols, and periodic trends. If you are a student or a science enthusiast, this quiz will help you assess your knowledge and identify areas for improvement.

In this periodic table of elements quiz with answers, you will encounter questions covering element classifications, periodic trends like electronegativity and atomic radius, and the significance of key groups such as alkali metals and noble gases. Each question is designed to challenge your grasp of the periodic table’s structure and function.

Periodic Table MCQ Quiz: Questions And Answers - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    What is the symbol for Argon?

    • A

    • An

    • Ag

    • Ar

    Correct Answer
    A. Ar
    Explanation
    The symbol for Argon is Ar. Argon is a chemical element that belongs to the group of noble gases in the periodic table. It is colorless, odorless, and inert, meaning it does not easily react with other elements or compounds under normal conditions. Argon is the third most abundant gas in the Earth's atmosphere, making up about 0.93% by volume. It is used in various applications, such as providing an inert atmosphere in welding and metalworking, as a gas for filling incandescent and fluorescent light bulbs, and in scientific research and industry for its unique properties and stability.

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  • 3. 

    What element does the symbol Fe stand for?

    • Francium

    • Fluorine

    • Iodine

    • Iron

    Correct Answer
    A. Iron
    Explanation
    The symbol Fe stands for the element iron. Iron is a metallic chemical element with a silver-gray appearance and is the most common element on Earth by mass. It is essential for many biological processes in living organisms, including oxygen transport in blood (as part of hemoglobin) and as a component of various enzymes involved in metabolism. Iron is also widely used in construction and manufacturing due to its strength and ability to be easily shaped into various forms. Its magnetic properties make it useful in electrical devices and industrial applications.

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  • 4. 

    What is the atomic number for helium?

    • 1

    • 2

    • 4

    • 8

    Correct Answer
    A. 2
    Explanation
    The atomic number of an element is the number of protons found in the nucleus of its atoms. For helium, the atomic number is 2, which means each helium atom has two protons. The atomic number determines the element's identity and its position on the periodic table. Helium, with an atomic number of 2, is a noble gas, making it very stable and non-reactive. It is the second element on the periodic table, following hydrogen. Understanding atomic numbers helps in identifying elements and predicting their chemical behavior based on their position in the periodic table.

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  • 5. 

    What element does the symbol Au stand for?

    • Gold

    • Silver

    • Copper

    • Tin

    Correct Answer
    A. Gold
    Explanation
    The symbol Au represents the element gold in the periodic table. Chemical elements are often represented by one or two-letter symbols, and in this case, Au is derived from the Latin word "aurum," which means gold. Each element has a unique symbol to simplify communication in the field of chemistry. Therefore, when you see the symbol Au, it specifically refers to the metallic element gold with its distinct properties and characteristics.

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  • 6. 

    What is the symbol for tin?

    • Sn

    • Se

    • Sg

    • Sr

    Correct Answer
    A. Sn
    Explanation
    The symbol Sn represents the element tin in the periodic table. Chemical symbols are standardized abbreviations used to represent elements, and they are often derived from the element's name in English, Latin, or another language. In the case of tin, the symbol Sn is based on the Latin word "stannum." So, whenever you see the symbol Sn, it specifically denotes the element tin with its unique properties and characteristics.

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  • 7. 

    What group does the element neon belong to?

    • Halogen

    • Rare Earth

    • Noble Gas

    • Non-Metal

    Correct Answer
    A. Noble Gas
    Explanation
    Neon belongs to the group of elements known as noble gases. Noble gases are colorless, odorless, and generally inert gases that rarely react with other elements or compounds. Neon, specifically, is known for its bright orange-red glow when electrically charged, which is why it is used in neon signs and lighting. Noble gases have full outer electron shells, making them stable and unreactive under normal conditions. This stability makes neon and other noble gases valuable in various applications, such as in lighting, electronics, and as a shielding gas in welding.

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  • 8. 

    Who is the creator of the periodic table?

    • Dimitri Mendeleev

    • Henry Moseley

    • Marie Curie

    • John Dalton

    Correct Answer
    A. Dimitri Mendeleev
    Explanation
    Dimitri Mendeleev is credited as the creator of the periodic table. He was a Russian chemist who organized the elements based on their atomic weight and properties. Mendeleev's periodic table arranged the elements in rows and columns, leaving gaps for undiscovered elements and predicting their properties. His work laid the foundation for the modern periodic table that we use today.

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  • 9. 

    What is the atomic number for nitrogen?

    • 3

    • 14

    • 7

    • 22

    Correct Answer
    A. 7
    Explanation
    The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus. Nitrogen has an atomic number of 7, meaning each nitrogen atom contains seven protons. This places nitrogen in group 15 and period 2 of the periodic table. Nitrogen is a non-metal and makes up about 78% of the Earth's atmosphere. It is essential for all living organisms as it is a key component of amino acids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Understanding atomic numbers is crucial for identifying elements and predicting their chemical properties and behavior based on their position in the periodic table.

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  • 10. 

    Hydrogen-1 has 1 proton, 1 electron, and 0 neutrons.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Hydrogen-1 (also called protium) is the most common isotope of hydrogen. It consists of one proton, one electron, and zero neutrons in its atomic structure. Unlike heavier isotopes of hydrogen, such as deuterium (which has one neutron) and tritium (which has two neutrons), Hydrogen-1 has no neutrons in its nucleus.

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  • 11. 

    What is the atomic number for beryllium?

    • 83

    • 4

    • 35

    • 5

    Correct Answer
    A. 4
    Explanation
    The atomic number of an element indicates the number of protons in its nucleus. Beryllium has an atomic number of 4, which means each atom of beryllium contains four protons. This places beryllium in the second period and group 2 of the periodic table, classifying it as an alkaline earth metal. Beryllium is lightweight, has a high melting point, and is used in aerospace materials and certain types of X-ray equipment. Understanding atomic numbers is essential for identifying elements and predicting their chemical properties and behaviors based on their position in the periodic table.

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  • 12. 

    What is the symbol for ruthenium?

    • Rn

    • Ru

    • Rh

    • Rf

    Correct Answer
    A. Ru
    Explanation
    The symbol "Ru" represents the element ruthenium in the periodic table. Chemical symbols are standardized abbreviations used to uniquely identify elements. In the case of ruthenium, the symbol "Ru" is derived from its name. The use of symbols makes it convenient to write chemical formulas and represent elements in a concise and standardized manner. Therefore, when you see the symbol Ru, you can specifically identify it as the element ruthenium, which has distinct properties and characteristics.

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  • 13. 

    What is the symbol for manganese?

    • Mo

    • Mg

    • Mt

    • Mn

    Correct Answer
    A. Mn
    Explanation
    The symbol Mn represents the element manganese in the periodic table. Chemical symbols are standardized abbreviations used to uniquely identify elements. In the case of manganese, the symbol Mn is derived from its name. The use of symbols makes it convenient to write chemical formulas and represent elements in a concise and standardized manner. Therefore, when you see the symbol Mn, you can specifically identify it as the element manganese, which has distinct properties and characteristics.

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  • 14. 

    What is the atomic mass for nitrogen?

    • 14

    • 22

    • 7

    • 28

    Correct Answer
    A. 14
    Explanation
    The atomic mass for Nitrogen is 14. This is because the atomic mass of an element is the weighted average mass of all its isotopes, taking into account the abundance of each isotope. Nitrogen has two main isotopes: Nitrogen-14 and Nitrogen-15. Nitrogen-14 is the most abundant isotope, making up about 99.6% of natural nitrogen. Nitrogen-15 is less abundant. By calculating the weighted average of these isotopes, we arrive at an atomic mass of 14 for Nitrogen.

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  • 15. 

    How many element groups are there?

    • 7

    • 11

    • 16

    • 18

    • 26

    Correct Answer
    A. 18
    Explanation
    The elements in the periodic table are organized into groups based on their similar chemical properties and electronic configurations. The number of element groups is determined by the columns in the periodic table. Each column represents a group, and the elements within a group share similar characteristics. There are 18 columns or groups in the periodic table labeled from 1 to 18. The elements in the same group have the same number of electrons in their outermost electron shell, which contributes to their similar chemical behavior. The division into groups helps in understanding and predicting the chemical behavior of elements. So, when the question mentions "element groups," it is referring to these 18 columns in the periodic table.

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  • 16. 

    Which element has the highest melting point?

    • Tungsten

    • Iron

    • Titanium

    • Carbon

    Correct Answer
    A. Tungsten
    Explanation
    Tungsten has the highest melting point of all known elements at 3422°C (6192°F). This unique property makes tungsten crucial in applications requiring extreme heat resistance, such as in light bulb filaments and cutting tools. Its atomic structure, with a high atomic number (74), contributes to strong metallic bonding, leading to high thermal and mechanical stability. This high melting point also explains why tungsten is often alloyed with other metals to enhance the strength and durability of materials exposed to high temperatures in various industrial processes.

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  • 17. 

    What element group does rubidium belong to?

    • Alkaline earth

    • Basic metal

    • Alkali metal

    • Transition metal

    Correct Answer
    A. Alkali metal
    Explanation
    Rubidium belongs to the group of elements known as alkali metals. Alkali metals are highly reactive metals that are soft and have a shiny appearance. Rubidium is a silvery-white metal that is similar in properties to other alkali metals like sodium and potassium. It is not found freely in nature due to its high reactivity but can be extracted from minerals containing other alkali metals. Rubidium has applications in various fields, including in the study of atomic clocks, as a component in photocells, and in medical diagnostics. Its properties make rubidium useful in scientific research and technology.

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  • 18. 

    What is the atomic number for cesium?

    • 20

    • 48

    • 6

    • 55

    Correct Answer
    A. 55
    Explanation
    The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus. Cesium has an atomic number of 55, meaning each cesium atom has 55 protons. This positions cesium in group 1 of the periodic table, among the alkali metals. Cesium is highly reactive, especially with water, and has one of the lowest melting points of all metallic elements. It is used in various applications, such as atomic clocks and in the oil industry for drilling fluids. Knowing the atomic number helps identify elements and understand their properties and how they behave chemically.

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  • 19. 

    What is the atomic weight of copper?

    • 58.9332 u

    • 63.546 u

    • 51.9961 u

    • 40.078 u

    Correct Answer
    A. 63.546 u
    Explanation
    The atomic weight of copper is approximately 63.546 atomic mass units (u). This value represents the average mass of copper atoms, taking into account the isotopic composition of naturally occurring copper. Copper has two stable isotopes, copper-63 and copper-65, with copper-63 being the more abundant. The atomic weight is crucial in various scientific applications, including chemistry, physics, and materials science, as it influences calculations involving stoichiometry and the properties of compounds containing copper.

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  • 20. 

    Which element is the most abundant in the universe?

    • Oxygen

    • Silicon

    • Hydrogen

    • Helium

    Correct Answer
    A. Hydrogen
    Explanation
    Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. It makes up about 75% of the elemental mass of the universe. Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless gas and the simplest element, consisting of just one proton and one electron. It is found in stars, gas giant planets like Jupiter and Saturn, and in vast interstellar clouds of gas and dust. In stars, hydrogen undergoes nuclear fusion to form helium, releasing energy in the process. This abundant presence of hydrogen in the universe is fundamental to our understanding of stellar evolution, cosmology, and the formation of galaxies and solar systems.

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  • 21. 

    What is the atomic number for the element tantalum?

    • 22

    • 81

    • 52

    • 73

    Correct Answer
    A. 73
    Explanation
    The atomic number of an element is the number of protons in its nucleus. Tantalum has an atomic number of 73, meaning each atom of tantalum contains 73 protons. This atomic number places tantalum in the transition metals category on the periodic table, specifically in group 5. Tantalum is known for its high melting point and resistance to corrosion, making it useful in electronic components, surgical instruments, and aerospace applications. Knowing the atomic number helps in identifying elements and understanding their properties and behavior in chemical reactions.

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  • 22. 

    What element group does germanium belong to?

    • Basic Metal

    • Non-Metal

    • Rare Earth

    • Semi-Metal

    Correct Answer
    A. Semi-Metal
    Explanation
    Germanium belongs to the group of elements known as semi-metals, also called metalloids. Semi-metals have properties that are intermediate between metals and non-metals. Germanium has a grayish-white appearance and is brittle like a metal but lacks the same malleability and conductivity as typical metals. It is used primarily in electronics as a semiconductor, forming a crucial component in transistors and other semiconductor devices. Germanium's ability to conduct electricity can be altered by adding impurities, a process known as doping, which makes it essential for modern electronic applications. Its properties make germanium a valuable material in the technology and telecommunications industries.

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  • 23. 

    How many naturally occurring elements are there?

    • 94

    • 88

    • 118

    • 92

    Correct Answer
    A. 94
    Explanation
    There are 94 naturally occurring elements, meaning they exist in nature without human intervention. These range from hydrogen, the lightest element, to plutonium. The atomic numbers of naturally occurring elements go from 1 to 94, and the ones beyond this range are synthetically produced. Some elements are abundant on Earth, like oxygen and silicon, while others, like uranium, are rare. The discovery and classification of these elements have greatly influenced chemistry, allowing us to understand the material composition of the universe and its underlying atomic structure.

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  • 24. 

    _______________discovered the number of protons in the nucleus of each atom.

    Correct Answer
    Henry Moseley, Moseley
    Explanation
    Henry Moseley discovered the number of protons in the nucleus of each atom. This discovery was made through his experiments with X-ray spectroscopy. Moseley observed that the X-ray spectra of different elements shifted in a predictable manner when subjected to an electric field. He realized that this shift was directly related to the atomic number of the element, which is the same as the number of protons in the nucleus. Moseley's work led to the concept of atomic numbers and the organization of the periodic table based on these numbers.

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Zohra Sattar Waxali |PhD (Chemistry) |
Chemistry
Dr. Zohra Sattar Waxali earned her doctorate in chemistry and biochemistry from Northwestern University, specializing in the metallomes of cardiac cells and stem cells, and their impact on biological function. Her research encompasses the development of arsenoplatin chemotherapeutics, stapled peptide estrogen receptor inhibitors, and antimicrobial natural products.

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