Periodic Table Quiz: Can You Guess the Element from Its Chemical Symbol?

How well do you remember your chemistry class? The periodic table holds the secrets to everything around us — from the oxygen we breathe to the gold in your jewelry. Each element has a unique one- or two-letter chemical symbol, but can you match the symbols to their element names?

Let’s test your knowledge with this quiz! See if you can identify these elements just by their symbols — no periodic table allowed.

1. Au

Clue: This precious metal has been valued for thousands of years.Answer: GoldBonus Fact: “Au” comes from the Latin word aurum, meaning "shining dawn."

2. Na

Clue: It’s something you use every day — especially in the kitchen.Answer: SodiumBonus Fact: It combines with chlorine to form common table salt (NaCl).

3. Fe

Clue: This strong metal helped build cities and railroads.Answer: IronBonus Fact: “Fe” stands for ferrum, its Latin name.

4. He

Clue: You’ll find it in balloons and in outer space.Answer: HeliumBonus Fact: It’s the second most abundant element in the universe.

5. Pb

Clue: Found in old plumbing and batteries, but not in your pencils!Answer: LeadBonus Fact: The symbol “Pb” comes from the Latin plumbum.

6. Hg

Clue: This metal is liquid at room temperature.Answer: MercuryBonus Fact: It was once called “quicksilver.”

7. K

Clue: Essential for muscle function and found in bananas.Answer: PotassiumBonus Fact: Its name comes from the word “kalium.”

8. Ag

Clue: This shiny metal is often used in jewelry and coins.Answer: SilverBonus Fact: "Ag" comes from the Latin argentum, meaning silver.

9. O

Clue: You breathe it every few seconds.Answer: OxygenBonus Fact: It makes up about 21% of Earth’s atmosphere.

10. Si

Clue: Found in sand, glass, and your computer chip.Answer: SiliconBonus Fact: It’s a major component in semiconductors.

Why This Quiz Matters

Knowing the elements and their symbols isn’t just for chemistry students — it sharpens your memory, builds scientific literacy, and helps you understand the materials in everyday life.

Challenge a Friend!

Copy these questions or make your own and quiz your friends. You’ll be surprised how tricky some of the symbols can be — and how fun it is to rediscover science in a new way.