Name That Element!

In medieval times, early chemists called alchemists developed their own philosophy about how the natural world worked. But many of their ideas turned out to be more mystical than scientific. Alchemists’ main goal was to create a stone that would transform common metals, like the mystery element, into gold (Au). Gold is found in the same period, or row on the periodic table, as the mystery element. Alchemists believed the magical stone would also create an elixir that would allow a person to live forever! Game over already? Score 100 points. If not, read clue 2.

If you were to look inside a cell phone or computer, you’d spot this element. The microchips and wiring that power these devices are attached to circuit boards using an alloy, or metal mixture, called solder. It contains the mystery element and tin (Sn)—both found in the same group, or column on the periodic table. When heated, solder turns from a solid to a liquid, fusing to other metals and forming a strong bond as it cools and hardens. Figured it out? Score 80 points. Still playing? Check out clue 3.

The mystery element was once used in house paint and plumbing. But in the 1970s, scientists began raising the alarm about dangers associated with the element. That’s because even at low levels, this metal is a potent neurotoxin. If a person eats food, drinks a beverage, or even breathes air contaminated with the mystery element, it can damage their central nervous system—the body’s brain and spinal cord. Even worse, the mystery element builds up in the body over time. Today the use of the mystery element is banned in new paint and plumbing materials. Got it? Score 60 points. Not sure? Try the next clue.

Queen Elizabeth I of England is often depicted in paintings with extremely pale skin. During her reign, in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was popular for aristocratic women to apply makeup that got its white color from a compound—a substance made of two or more chemically combined elements—containing the mystery element. They believed it gave them a fresh-faced complexion. Little did they know that the mystery element was slowly poisoning them. Some historians believe this could have been what caused Queen Elizabeth I to lose most of her teeth and hair and what, ultimately, led to her death. All done? Score 40 points. Still need help? There’s one more clue.

If you visit the dentist, it’s likely they’ll take an X-ray image of your teeth. But first, they’ll cover your body with an apron made of the mystery element. Exposure to too much radiation, like X-rays, can be harmful. The apron helps shield your body from these high-energy rays. That’s because the mystery element is extremely dense. It has a high number of protons—82 to be exact—packed into each atom’s nucleus, making it difficult for radiation to penetrate. Write your answer and score 20 points. Then continue.