Which Two Naturally-Occurring Elements Are Named After People?

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SUMMARY

Niobium and Palladium are the only two naturally-occurring elements named after people, specifically Niobium, named after Niobe, the daughter of the mythical king Tantalus, and Palladium, named after the Greek goddess of wisdom, Pallas. Other elements mentioned include Curium, named after Marie Curie, and Gadolinium, named after Johan Gadolin. The discussion highlights the connection between element names and historical figures, emphasizing the cultural significance of these names in the periodic table.

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  • Basic understanding of the periodic table of elements
  • Familiarity with the concept of element naming conventions
  • Knowledge of historical figures in science
  • Awareness of the significance of mythology in scientific nomenclature
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  • Explore the contributions of Marie Curie to the field of chemistry
  • Learn about the properties and applications of Niobium and Palladium
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Chemistry enthusiasts, educators, students studying the periodic table, and anyone interested in the historical context of scientific nomenclature.

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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.
 
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are they real people?

Otherwise:
Niobium - Niobe, daughter of mythical king Tantalus
Palladium - Greek goddess of wisdom "Pallas"

I hated chem!


(net search - not my own knowledge admitedly!)
 
Rf rutherfordiam
Bh bohriam

?
 
Cm - Curium - after Marie Curie
Gd - Gadolinium - after Johan Gadolin (another french guy I had to search for the last one)
 
wait Curium has atomic number 96 (that puts him out)
I guess it is Sm - samarium and Gd - gadolinium

google did it
 

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