- X: H (Hydrogen, 1 proton)
- U: Li (Lithium, alkali metal, period 2)
- J: Na (Sodium, alkali metal, period 3, more energy levels than Li)
- M: Mg (Magnesium, metal in period 3 with 2 valence electrons)
- R: Be (Beryllium, group 2, period 2; nuclear symbol clue confirms atomic number 4)
- A: B (Boron, only metalloid in group 13)
- T: Si (Silicon, 4 valence electrons in 3rd energy level)
- H: N (Nitrogen, 7 neutrons, so mass number 14, atomic number 7)
- P: C (Carbon, group 14, period 2; fits position and context)
- Z: O (Oxygen, nonmetal, same period as Na, group 16)
- G: S (Sulfur, common -2 ion, 16 neutrons, so mass number 32, atomic number 16)
- E: S (Sulfur, same as G per clue #10; likely a typo or shared symbol, but G and E are both sulfur based on clues)
- Q: F (Fluorine, halogen with 2 energy levels)
- K: Cl (Chlorine, one less electron than Ar, group 17)
- V: Ar (Argon, un-reactive, more electrons than Ne, noble gas)
- W: Ne (Neon, un-reactive, fewer electrons than Ar, noble gas)
- L: He (Helium, only noble gas without 8 valence electrons)
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of periodically puzzling worksheet answers.
