Name That Element!

In its pure form, the mystery element is a silvery white metal. On Earth, the majority of this element is found deep in the planet’s core, or center. There, the mystery element forms an alloy—a mixture of metals—with iron (Fe). Iron and the mystery element are found in the same period, or row, on the periodic table. Smaller amounts of the mystery element can be found closer to Earth’s surface too. The U.S. gets most of this element from mines in Canada, Norway, and Australia. Got the answer already? Score 100 points. If not, try clue #2.

The pure form of the mystery element is a silvery white metal. On Earth, most of this element is deep in the planet’s core, or center. There, the mystery element teams up with iron (Fe). These elements form an alloy, or mixture of metals. Iron and the mystery element are in the same period, or row, on the periodic table. The mystery element exists closer to Earth’s surface too. It’s found in smaller amounts there. The U.S. gets most of this element from mines in Canada, Norway, and Australia. Got the answer already? Score 100 points. If not, try clue #2.

The mystery element can also be found in space rocks that crash into Earth. Most meteorites contain metal, and the metal contains some of the mystery element. Gold (Au), platinum (Pt), and iridium (Ir) are often present in space rocks as well. Scientists believe a meteorite that struck our planet nearly 2 billion years ago created one of the largest impact craters on Earth. The crater, located in Canada, contains high levels of the mystery element. Figured it out? Score 80 points. No luck? Go to clue #3.

Space rocks also have the mystery element. These rocks can crash into Earth as meteorites. Most of them contain metal. The metal contains some of the mystery element. Space rocks often contain gold (Au), platinum (Pr), and iridium (Ir) too. One of the largest impact craters on Earth is in Canada. Scientists think it formed when a meteorite hit Earth almost 2 billion years ago. The crater contains high levels of the mystery element. Figured it out? Score 80 points. No luck? Go to clue #3.

Metal jewelry, watches, and belt buckles are often plated in the mystery element. This coating makes them shiny and smooth. But it can be a problem for the 17 percent of Americans who have a skin allergy to this transition metal. If they come in contact with the mystery element, they can suffer dermatitis, or skin irritation. “Some people may have itching and a rash,” says Joseph Fowler, a dermatologist in Louisville, Kentucky. In severe cases, blisters can develop. Guessed the element? Score 60 points. Otherwise, check out clue #4.

Metal jewelry, watches, and belt buckles are often plated in the mystery element. This coating makes them shiny and smooth. But it can be a problem for some people. Seventeen percent of Americans have a skin allergy to this transition metal. If they touch the mystery element, they can suffer dermatitis, or skin irritation. “Some people may have itching and a rash,” says Joseph Fowler. He’s a dermatologist in Louisville, Kentucky. In severe cases, blisters can form. Guessed the element? Score 60 points. If not, check out clue #4.

Many rechargeable batteries, which power everything from toys to cordless tools to electric cars, rely on the mystery element. It typically makes up the cathode in a rechargeable battery. Electricity flows into this positive terminal. The element works well in batteries because it shares electrons easily and can withstand heat given off by electronic devices. Elon Musk, the co-founder of Tesla, has said that the mystery element is such a big component in his company’s electric car batteries that they should be named after it. Game over? Score 40 points. Not yet? Try the last clue.

Rechargeable batteries power everything from toys and cordless tools to electric cars. Many rechargeable batteries rely on the mystery element. It usually makes up their cathode. Electricity flows into this positive terminal. Why does the element work so well in batteries? It shares electrons easily and can take the heat from electronic devices. Elon Musk is the co-founder of Tesla. He said that his company’s electric car batteries should be named after the mystery element. That’s because this element is a big part of them. Game over? Score 40 points. Not yet? Try the last clue.

Today, all U.S. coins except the penny contain the mystery element. The first U.S. coins were made in 1793 using silver (Ag), gold, or copper (Cu). But some of those metals are pricey. The U.S. Mint needed to find cheaper raw materials. It turned to the mystery element. Most coins today are made of an alloy of the mystery element and copper, whose atoms contain one more proton than the mystery element’s. Did you name the element? Score 20 points. Then turn the page.

Today, all U.S. coins contain the mystery element except the penny. The first U.S. coins were made in 1793. They contained silver (Ag), gold, or copper (Cu). But some of those metals are pricey. The U.S. Mint needed to find cheaper raw materials. It turned to the mystery element. Now most coins are made of an alloy of the mystery element and copper. Copper atoms have one more proton than atoms of the mystery element. Did you name the element? Score 20 points. Then go on.