Name That Element!

This element is all around us—but we can’t see it. In its pure state, two atoms of the mystery element bond together to form a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas. These gaseous molecules make up 78 percent of the air we breathe. It’s the most abundant element in Earth’s atmosphere, followed by oxygen (O), which is in the same period, or row, on the periodic table. Got the answer? Score 100 points. Otherwise, go to clue 2.

This element is all around us, but we can’t see it. In its pure state, two atoms of the mystery element bond together. They form a colorless, odorless, tasteless gas. This gas makes up 78 percent of our air. It’s the most abundant element in Earth’s atmosphere. The next most abundant is oxygen (O). These two elements are in the same period, or row, on the periodic table. Got the answer? Score 100 points. If not, go to clue 2.

Most cars have airbags tucked inside their steering wheels. These safety devices contain a compound made up of sodium (Na) and the mystery element, which is a nonmetal. If a car is involved in a collision, the sudden jolt triggers a chemical reaction. The compound breaks apart, releasing the mystery element as a gas. The gas inflates the airbag in seconds, helping protect a person from a head-jarring injury. Figured it out? Score 80 points. Need more help? Read clue 3.

Most cars have airbags. These safety devices are tucked inside steering wheels. Airbags contain a compound of sodium (Na) and the mystery element, which is a nonmetal. If a car crashes, the sudden blow triggers a chemical reaction. The compound breaks apart. It releases the mystery element as a gas. In seconds, the gas inflates the airbag. That helps protect people from hitting and injuring their head. Figured it out? Score 80 points. Need more help? Read clue 3.

The mystery element is an essential part of your DNA. This molecule carries the instructions for how your body looks, functions, and grows. Each DNA molecule is shaped like a twisted ladder. Atoms of the mystery element, carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) form the ladders’ rungs. Every cell in your body contains a single tightly coiled strand of DNA that if stretched out would be 1.8 meters (6 feet) long. Know the answer? Score 60 points. Not sure? Try the next clue.

The mystery element is a necessary part of your DNA. This molecule carries instructions. It controls how your body looks, functions, and grows. Each DNA molecule looks like a twisted ladder. Atoms of four elements form the ladders’ rungs. They’re the mystery element, carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O). Every cell in your body contains one strand of DNA. It’s wrapped in a tight coil. If stretched out, the strand would be 1.8 meters (6 feet) long. Know the answer? Score 60 points. Not sure? Try the next clue.

The mystery element is one of the main components of chlorophyll. This compound, which gives leafy plants their green color, absorbs sunlight to power photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process by which plants make food. Fertilizers, substances added to soil to supply nutrients to plants, contain the mystery element and phosphorus (P), which is in the same group, or column, on the periodic table. Both elements are vital to plant growth. Got it now? Score 40 points. If not, there’s still one more clue.

The mystery element is a main ingredient of chlorophyll. This compound makes leafy plants look green. Chlorophyll absorbs sunlight. Then it uses the energy for photosynthesis. This process is the way plants make food. Fertilizers are added to soil to give plants nutrients. They contain the mystery element and phosphorus (P). Both elements are in the same group, or column, on the periodic table. And both are needed for plant growth. Got it now? Score 40 points. If not, there’s still one more clue.

The mystery element, which has seven protons in its nucleus, is a key ingredient in nylon. Invented in 1935, this synthetic material is made up of long chains of molecules called polymers. “The nylon polymer can be stretchy like an elastic band or tough, depending on how it’s made,” says Karen Wooley, a chemist at Texas A&M University. The material can be used to make everything from stretchy fabrics to tough dog chew toys. Write your answer and score 20 points. Then continue.

Nylon was invented in 1935. This synthetic material is made up of long chains of molecules called polymers. A key ingredient is the mystery element, which has seven protons in its nucleus. “The nylon polymer can be stretchy like an elastic band or tough, depending on how it’s made,” says Karen Wooley. She’s a chemist at Texas A&M University. Many different items are made from nylon. The material can form stretchy fabrics or tough dog chew toys. Write your answer and score 20 points. Then go on.