Investigation 6A

Periodic Table Riddles

What are some characteristics of �the elements?

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Riddle 1

• This atom is in group 5A
• It has 14 particles in its nucleus.
• It is also the major constituent of the air we breathe.

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Riddle 2

• This atom is a Noble Gas
• It has an atomic number that is greater than 5 but less than 16.
• It also lights up in the night sky in Las Vegas.

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Riddle 3

• This transition metal is lighter than zinc.
• It is the most common element found in meteorites, one of which is shown here.
• It is also used to make steel.
• It is also in the same group as Osmium.

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Riddle 4

• This radioactive atom has six protons and eight neutrons.
• It is used to determine the age of many objects up to tens of thousands of years old.

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Riddle 5

• This atom has three electrons in its third energy level.
• Its mass number is one plus twice its atomic number.
• If aircraft were made of steel instead of this element, they would be too heavy to fly.

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Riddle 6

• This alkali earth element has six stable isotopes.
• It both strengthens bones and regulates heartbeat in many animals, including humans.

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Riddle 7

• This element is seen in many parades.
• This element is a noble gas but doesn’t have 8 valance electrons.

• It can be used to make energy in a nuclear fusion reaction, and scientists have considered getting it from the Moon because there is so little on Earth.

A gas of this element in a discharge tube

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Riddle 8

• This atom has 7 valence electrons.
• It is the most reactive halogen.
• It is added to our tap water to help prevent tooth decay.

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Riddle 9

• This element has an average atomic mass of 6.94 amu.
• This particular isotope has four neutrons.
• The atomic mass of its most common isotope and its effects on the human brain gave the drink “7–up” its name.

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Riddle 10

• This atom has one fewer electron than it needs for a full shell.
• It has a mass number of 36, and it is radioactive.
• It is often used to keep large bodies of water free of bacteria.

The element in gaseous form

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Riddle 11

• This atom has an average atomic mass of 28.0866
• This element has both properties of metals and nonmetals
• It is also used in computer circuitry.

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Riddle 12

• This atom is a transition metal with an odd atomic number less than 36.
• It is an excellent conductor of electricity.
• You will find this element in period 4 and in the same group as Silver.

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Riddle 13

• This element is part of the Nitrogen Family.
• It is also in period 3.
• It is also the key element in the molecules in our body that store and release energy.

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Riddle 14

• This transition metal has a smaller atomic mass than iron.
• It has 24 protons
• This element is also what makes “stainless steel” stainless.

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Riddle 15

• This element has 8 valance electrons
• This is a pirates favorite element
• It is often used during welding to keep the metal clean.

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Riddle 16

• This metal is part of the Alkaline Earth Metals.
• It has one more proton than Sodium.
• It oxidizes very easily, and campers use this to their advantage to start fires even in wet conditions.

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Riddle 17

• This group 2 element has only one stable isotope.
• It is the lightest structural element in existence, and because of this it is used in satellites to keep their weight low.
• It is also very poisonous.

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