Across
- 1. The first of the transition metals, the name of this element derives from 'Scandia', the Latin name for Scandinavia.
- 6. A metal which produces brilliant reds in fireworks and flares, it was first discovered in Stronian in Scotland.
- 9. The chemical symbol for this element comes from the element's historical name, stibium.
- 11. The name of this metal comes from the Greek 'barys', meaning heavy. Compounds of this metals are used to help identify digestive disorders in patients.
- 13. A green-yellow toxic gas that was used as a chemical weapon in the First World War.
- 17. A highly reactive alkali metal used in atomic clocks, which are accurate to 1 second in 15 million year.
- 18. One of only three magnetic metals, its name is derived from the German word 'kobald', meaning goblin.
- 19. Discovered by Joseph Priestly in 1774, this element is a product of photosynthesis.
- 22. Discovered in 1774, this solid metal has an atomic number of 25 and an atomic mass of 55.
- 25. Shares a name with Superman’s home planet.
- 26. One of the twelve elements with a single letter chemical symbol.
- 27. A halogen and one of only two elements that are liquid at room temperature.
- 30. A well-known poison.
- 32. The chemical symbol for this element comes from its original name natrium.
- 35. This metallic element has a long history of being used in coins. The US 5-cent is nicknamed for this element.
- 36. Used to make the alloy bronze, this metal is used in electrical wiring and pipes due to its unreactive nature.
- 41. This transition metal is as strong as steel but much less dense. It is used in joint replacements.
- 43. a toxic metal with an atomic number of 42. Dr Squillaci’s favourite.
- 44. Objects of this element, dating from around 3500 BC, have been found in Egypt. An essential element in the blood.
- 47. Derived from the Latin name for France (Gallia), this metal melts at 30˚C.
- 48. Known to humans since prehistoric times, this Group 6 element is mentioned 15 times in the Bible.
- 49. Discovered in 1801 by Charles Hatchett, its name comes from Niobe from Greek mythology, who was the daughter of king Tantalus.
- 50. A Nobel gas discovered in July 1898 by William Ramsay and Morris Travers at University College London and obtained by extraction from air.
- 51. The least reactive alkali metal.
- 52. A halogen which has a name derived from the Greek word 'iodes' meaning violet.
- 53. This element’s name is derived from Ruthenia, the Latin name for Russia.
- 55. A transition metal at the end of the alphabet.
Down
- 2. A silvery-white metal that burns with a bright light.
- 3. Plating with this transition metal can give a polished mirror finish to steel.
- 4. this metallic element has an atomic number of 23.
- 5. This element has an atomic number of 15; its name means bringer of light in Greek.
- 7. A natural semi-precious gemstone which, in its colourless form, resembles diamonds. If ordered alphabetically, this element would be last.
- 8. A poisonous metal often used in batteries. It has an atomic number of 48.
- 10. The first four letters of this element are consonants. It was discovered in 1794 and is used in radar technology.
- 12. Element with 6 protons, 6 neutrons and 6 electrons.
- 14. The lightest element.
- 15. A shiny, silvery-white metal that resists corrosion and is named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, Pallas.
- 16. The second-most abundant element in the Earth’s crust, useful for making microchips.
- 20. Group 4 element named for a European country.
- 21. The gemstones beryl and emerald contain this Group 2 element.
- 23. A metal discovered in 1863, its name comes from the Latin 'indicium', meaning violet or indigo.
- 24. An artificially created metallic element with the chemical symbol Tc.
- 28. Humans have known about this metal for around 4000 years. It can be alloyed with copper to make bronze.
- 29. Discovered by Humphrey Davy in 1808, this element is essential for good bone health.
- 31. An unreactive metal frequently used to make jewellery.
- 32. A non-metal discovered by Jons Jacob Berzelius in 1817, its name is derived from 'selene', the Greek name for the Moon.
- 33. The major use of this element is in catalytic converters for cars. It has an atomic mass of 103.
- 34. A very rare metal discovered in 1783 in Sibiu, Romania. It has an atomic number of 52.
- 37. The most reactive halogen, top of Group 7.
- 38. The name of this Group 1 element is derived from the English word 'potash'.
- 39. A Group 3 metal used for making airplanes, cans and for wrapping your sandwiches.
- 40. First detected in the Sun’s corona, its name comes from the Greek word for sun.
- 42. This inert Nobel gas makes up 1% of the Earth’s atmosphere. Used in double-glazing and low-energy lightbulbs.
- 45. The most abundant element in the Earth’s atmosphere.
- 46. A soft Group 1 metal that ignites in the air and reacts violently with water. More reactive than potassium.
- 54. A colourless, odourless gas, used to make bright and colourful lights.