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Out of all the 92 naturally-occurring, elements, ---------- and -------- are the only two that derive their names from those of people (and even then, not directly). Name both of them.
Which Two Naturally-Occurring Elements Are Named After People?
- Thread starter Greg Bernhardt
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- Elements
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around identifying the two naturally-occurring elements that are named after people. Participants explore various elements and their etymologies, including both mythological and historical figures.
Discussion Character
- Exploratory, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- One participant questions whether the names must derive from real people.
- Another participant suggests niobium, named after Niobe, and palladium, named after the Greek goddess Pallas, as potential answers.
- A different participant proposes rutherfordium and bohrium as namesakes of people.
- Another contribution mentions curium, named after Marie Curie, and gadolinium, named after Johan Gadolin, but notes that curium does not fit the criteria due to its atomic number.
- One participant speculates that samarium and gadolinium could be the correct answers.
- A later reply acknowledges a previous contribution positively, indicating some level of agreement or recognition.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express multiple competing views regarding which elements are named after people, and the discussion remains unresolved.
Contextual Notes
Some participants rely on external searches for information, indicating potential limitations in personal knowledge or assumptions about the criteria for naming.
Who May Find This Useful
Individuals interested in the etymology of chemical elements, chemistry enthusiasts, or those exploring the intersection of science and history may find this discussion relevant.
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