Element Symbol Quiz

Let's See How Well You Know the First 20 Element Symbols

You need to know the element symbols in chemistry. Take a quiz to see if you've got what it takes!
You need to know the element symbols in chemistry. Take a quiz to see if you've got what it takes!. GIPhotoStock / Getty Images
1. Hydrogen is the most abundant element in the universe. Its symbol is:
2. Helium is named for Helios or the sun. The symbol for helium is:
3. Lithium is found in most igneous rocks. Its element symbol is:
4. Beryllium is said to have a sweet taste. The symbol for beryllium is:
5. Boron is one of the semimetals or metalloids. The symbol for boron is:
6. Carbon is the basis of life and organic chemistry. The symbol for carbon is:
7. Most of the earth's atmosphere consists of nitrogen gas. The symbol for nitrogen is:
8. Liquid oxygen is pale blue. The symbol for oxygen is:
9. Fluorine is a pale yellowish green gas. The symbol for fluorine is:
10. One place you might find neon is in neon lights. The symbol for neon is:
11. Sodium is a metal that reacts violently with water. The symbol for sodium is:
12. Chlorophyll is an important molecule that contains magnesium. The symbol for magnesium is:
13. Depending where you live, the name for this element is aluminum or aluminium. The symbol for aluminum is:
14. Silicon is a widely used element. Electronics and living organisms rely on the element. The symbol for silicon is:
15. Phosphorus glows green in the presence of oxygen. The symbol for phosphorus is:
16. Sulfur has also been known as brimstone. The symbol for sulfur is:
17. Chlorine is found in household bleach. The symbol for chlorine is:
18. Argon is found in some fluorescent lights. The symbol for argon is:
19. Potassium compounds can impart a violet color to flames. The symbol for potassium is:
20. Calcium is found in your bones and teeth. The symbol for calcium is:
Element Symbol Quiz
You got: % Correct. Elementary School Knowledge of Element Symbols
I got Elementary School Knowledge of Element Symbols. Element Symbol Quiz
Failing chemistry class!. Roberto A Sanchez / Getty Images

Okay, so the element symbols aren't really your thing. That's alright! You learned some taking the quiz. If you're interested in knowing the rest, here's the list of the first 20 element symbols. There are also a few tricks for memorizing them you can try.

Would you rather take another quiz? Here's one that tests whether or not you can recognize the elements based on how they look.

Element Symbol Quiz
You got: % Correct. C is for Carbon (and also your grade)
I got C is for Carbon (and also your grade). Element Symbol Quiz
C Grade on the Element Symbol Test. Ann Cutting, Getty Images

Not bad! You are familiar with some of the chemical elements. It won't take much effort to learn them all. Here are some tips for remembering the first 20. That's really all you need to know, since the point of chemistry is understanding it, not memorizing everything.

If you'd rather try another quiz, how about finding out which chemical element you'd be (if you were an element rather than person, which probably won't happen, but you never know).

Element Symbol Quiz
You got: % Correct. If You Were an Element Symbol, You'd Be A
I got If You Were an Element Symbol, You'd Be A. Element Symbol Quiz
Ace a periodic table element symbol quiz!. Jonathan Kirn / Getty Images

You rock! You know the element symbols. Now, if you're up for a challenge, how about memorizing the whole periodic table?

If you'd like to try another quiz, how about this one that covers chemistry concepts most people should know. You'll ace it, right?