How it works
This what periodic element am I quiz has 38 riddles. Each one describes an element by its family and period, its electrons, a property such as being a liquid, or a famous fact, and you name it.
Read the full guide
Four sets
Family and period uses alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, halogens and noble gases. Electrons gives an electron count or the end of a configuration. Properties and Famous facts use states, electronegativity, the air, the crust and the body.
Print or practise
Practice brings a missed riddle back until you get it right. After a round, Print lists its riddles: Add all brings in the rest of the 38, and a tick on With answer key adds the key.
- Alkali metals are group 1, alkaline earth metals group 2, halogens group 17 and noble gases group 18.
- A neutral atom has as many electrons as its atomic number.
- The period is the row: period 3 runs from sodium to argon.
Questions and answers
What is a what element am I riddle?
A set of clues about one element, such as its group, period, number of electrons or a use, that lets you name it. Chemistry classes use them to practise reading the periodic table.
How do you find an element from its group and period?
The period is the row and the group is the column; the element sits where they cross. The halogen in period 4 is bromine; the noble gas in period 3 is argon.
Which elements are liquid at room temperature?
Only mercury, a metal, and bromine, a halogen. Gallium melts at about 30 °C, so it turns liquid in your hand.